Panorama de Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae): perfil do produtor, avaliação de impactos econômicos e infestação em cultivos de coqueiro no litoral oeste-Vale do Curu no Ceará

Abstract

Brazil is currently the fourth-largest coconut producer globally, with the state of Ceará being the largest national producer and the municipality of Paraipaba holding the title of its largest producer and highest productivity in Brazil. Aceria guerreronis Keifer is currently the main pest affecting coconut cultivation in the major Brazilian production regions, causing fruit and yields losses. The mite has significant economic implications for coconut producers. Given the importance of coconut cultivation to the local economy, this study aimed to understand the mite's incidence in the field by comparing farmers' perceptions with the actual incidence in the field. Twenty questionnaires were administered, and assessments were conducted on the properties of the interviewed producers in four municipalities in the production hub: Paraipaba, Trairi, São Luis do Curu, and São Gonçalo do Amarante. The study region was found to have crops with an average age of up to 10 years, with 95% of them being of the early dwarf variety. Additionally, 55% were directed towards the production of fresh coconuts, either for sale to end consumers or for sale in local agro-industries. It was observed that 50% of the producers have a high level of knowledge about the pest, and 85% consider it a severe threat. The control cost in the region varies from 4 to 12 Brazilian reais per plant per year, with Paraipaba having a higher average cost due to its focus on green coconut production. Regarding field assessment, most of the damage occurs in fruits of the third cluster, with the majority of fruits having an infestation level greater than 2%. Meanwhile, coconuts in the eighth cluster, nearing harvest, show a lower number of infested fruits. However, those with infestation already exhibit a level of 8%, indicating that pest control measures are being applied in the study region. Despite control efforts, the mite still causes significant economic losses that go beyond the cost of control measures.