Red Spider Mite, Tetranychus Urticae Koch (Arachnida: Acari-Tetranychidae): A Threatening Pest to Potato (Solatium Tuberosum L.) Production in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Following the outbreak of a spider mite infestation on the main season of 2014 on
potato at Haramaya district, field surveys were undertaken in August 2014 and 2015.
The field surveys covered the districts Fedis, Grawa, Haramaya, Jarso, Kersa,
Kombolcha and Meta of eastern Ethiopia. The 2014 result revealed that the pest was
confined only in Haramaya district. A similar survey conducted in August 2015
revealed the geographic expansion of the pest to other areas of eastern Ethiopia, viz.,
Dire Dawa Administration, Kersa. Kombolcha and Fedis districts. The spider mite,
which is commonly known as red spider mite, was identified as Tetranychus utrtcae
Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). This is the first record of the pest infesting potato
(Solatium tuberosum L.) in Ethiopia. In addition to potato, the pest infested tomato,
cucumber and other Solanaceous weeds growing within and around potato fields. It
was observed that the pest causes quantitative crop damage by sucking the plant fluids.
The pest develops very rapidly on potato plants causing quick leaf-fall and death of the
infested plants. Farmers were unable to manage the pest with the con\entional
agricultural pesticides available on the local markets. This preliminary field survey
warrants that the red spider mite would be a threat to potato production in Ethiopia
unless apt research efforts are made and management strategies are developed to fight
against this devastating pest.