Diversity of Spider Mites (Tetranychidae) on Ornamental Plants in Central Kerala

Purposive sampling surveys were conducted in homestead gardens and ornamental nurseries at different localities of Thrissur Ernakulam districts during 2017-19 to study the diversity spider mites associated with plants. Mite samples collected from rose, adenium, gerbera, marigold, chrysanthemum, balsam, cock’s comb, orchid, cassia, cairo morning glory, zinnia, bauhinia, crape jasmine pinto peanut maintained as isoline cultures laboratory. Male female specimens isolines slide mounted for morphological characterisation identification. The results revealed eight species belonging three genera viz., Tetranychus truncatus Ehara, T. okinawanus urticae Koch, fijiensis Hirst, neocaledonicus Andre, marianae McGregor, Eutetranychus orientalis Klein Oligonychus biharensis Hirst. recorded new hosts alien species, which suggests potential these turn invasive Kerala’s ecosystems. mite fauna on rose was more diverse, indicating need imposing strict quarantine regulations. observed a record Kerala.