Investigating the Impact of Abamectin on Dust Mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus Density and Anatomical Features of Date Fruits cv. Halawi

Aldosary, N., Y.N. Kalaf, A.S.A. Abdullah, A.H. Radhi and M.A. Al-Darwish. 2024. Investigating the Impact of Abamectin on Dust Mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus Density and Anatomical Features of Date Fruits cv. Halawi. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(4): 511-517. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001269 The high nutritional value and economic importance of date fruits are compromised by severe damage caused by pests such as the dust mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus. To control this pest, chemicals such as Abamectin are commonly used, although this may cause changes in the anatomical characteristics of date fruits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Abamectin on the density of dust mites and the anatomical features of cv. Halawi dates. Date fruits were sprayed with Abamectin (1.8% EC) in five concentrations (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 ml/L) during the Hababuk stage, and dust mite density and several anatomical characteristics of the fruits were evaluated. The results obtained showed a decrease in dust mite population density with increasing Abamectin concentration and a significant impact on certain anatomical features of date fruits. The highest thickness of the exocarp, cuticle, epidermis, hypodermis, stoncells, outer mesocarp, and inner mesocarp, as well as the number of pith cells were observed at the concentration of 1.0 ml/L. However, a reduction in the tannin layer was detected at higher concentrations. Positive correlations were found between Abamectin concentration and the thickness of certain fruit components, as well as the number of pith cells, whereas a negative correlation was found with dust mite population density. The study concluded that Abamectin application directly reduces dust mite density and improves the anatomical characteristics of date fruits. Keywords: Abamectin, date palm, dust mite, pest density, anatomical characteristics.