Steneotarsonemus Furcatusde Leon (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) infesting rice crops in Brazil

Abstract

Steneotarsonemus furcatus De Leon is reported for the first time infesting rice crops in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Symptoms observed on the rice infested plants are spots in leaves, stems, sheaths and grains, and sterile panicles with completely empty grains. Phytopathogenic fungi, Bipolaris oryzae (Breda de Haan) and Pyricularia oryzae Cavara, were detected in infested plants. The source of S. furcatus rice infestation as well as the potential of the mite to spread to other areas of the country and become a major pest of this crop are discussed.