Abstract:
Information on the diversity and abundance of mites on papaya in South Kalimantan is still
limited and needs further study. Thus, a study was conducted in Banjarbaru and Tanah Laut,
South Kalimantan, Indonesia on three varieties of papayas (California, Hawaii, and Merah
Delima). Four species of mites that attacked papayas in Banjarbaru were identified as
Tetranychus piercei, Aculops pelekassi, Brevipalpus phoenicis, and Eutetranychus africanus,
while in Tanah Laut T. piercei and E. africanus. Tetranychus piercei with 2557 individuals was
the most abundant at both locations. Tetranychus piercei was found to be in the highest number
observed on papayas varieties, while A. pelekassi was found on Hawaii varieties with 13
individuals, E. africanus on California varieties with nine individuals, and B. phoenicis with
only eight individuals on Hawaiian varieties. The diversity index value (H’) of mites at the
research areas was low (H'<1.5) indicated the communities formed were less stable (H'<1)
probably under pressure. The species dominance index (C) value was significantly close to 1
(≥0.5), and indicative of certain species dominated (in this study was T. piercei) at the two
research sites. The results of this research could provide important information about mites and
be useful as the first step in developing effective pest control strategies.
Keywords: Mites, papaya varieties, diversity index, South Kalimantan
