Spatial modeling of red spider mite Oligonychus punicae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in avocado crop

In recent years, there has been a rising concern in society to produce quality food in a sustainable manner. New alternatives in pest control have been researched to help mitigate the environmental impact. In traditional agriculture, pesticides are applied uniformly, without considering spatial and temporary variables, but application rates could be adjusted according to the incidence with the assistance of distribution maps; thus, contributing to improve environmental balance and production costs. Avocado (Persea americana Mill.; Lauraceae) generates huge economic benefits in the localities where it is grown. Red spider mite (Oligonychus punicae Hirst.; Acari: Tetranychidae) is among the main pests that attack this crop. It causes damage to the epidermis of the leaves in such a way that the injured areas discolor and the edges of the leaves are deformed as a result of the removal of the cellular content from the tissues. Therefore, the objective of the present work was the determination of the spatial pattern of this pest, by means of geostatistics and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE). The adjusted semivariograms as well as the indices show that the red spider mite is distributed in aggregations. The generated maps showing the infested surface will permit pest management programs to direct control measures to the areas with the highest incidence, resulting in a lower level of economic damage.