Current distribution and status of the Persea mite Oligonychus perseae infesting avocado trees in Morocco

O. Tounia; A. Boutaleb-Joutei; N. Haddad; A. El Gada; R. Lahlali; M.C. Smaili

doi:10.2478/hppj-2026-0006

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Current distribution and status of the Persea mite Oligonychus perseae infesting avocado trees in Morocco

Hellenic Plant Protection Journal

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 2 (July 2026)

By: O. Tounia, A. Boutaleb-Joutei, N. Haddad, A. El Gada, R. Lahlali and M.C. Smaili

Open Access

|Jul 2026

Abstract

Surveys to assess the current distribution and status of the Persea mite Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker and Abatiello (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its natural enemies were conducted in 85 avocado orchards in north-west Morocco between October 2023 and October 2025. The mite was recorded on leaves in several orchards with low to high infestation while it did not occur on the fruits. A morphological identification of O. perseae is provided, based on Moroccan specimens. Currently, O. perseae is not causing economic damage to avocado fruits in Morocco, but its establishment in new areas within the country and the increase of its population on leaves may constitute a threat to fruit and yield in commercial avocado cultivation in the future.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/hppj-2026-0006 | Journal eISSN: 2732-656X (formerly 1791-3691) | Journal ISSN: 1791-3691

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Language: English

Page range: 48 - 57

Submitted on: Feb 23, 2026

Accepted on: May 23, 2026

Published on: Jul 23, 2026

Published by: Benaki Phytopathological Institute

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Hass variety,

Integrated pest management,

Related subjects:

Zoology,

© 2026 O. Tounia, A. Boutaleb-Joutei, N. Haddad, A. El Gada, R. Lahlali, M.C. Smaili, published by Benaki Phytopathological Institute
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 2 (July 2026)