Population fluctuation of the broad mite <i>Polyhagotarsonemus latus</i> (Banks) in <i>Capsicum annuum</i> (L.) in the province of Manabí, Ecuador

The cultivation of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is among the most economically significant vegetable crops worldwide, driven by the high demand for its fruit for trade and export markets.However, this crop is constantly threatened by multiple factors, including pest infestations such as mites.Polyphagotarsonemus latus is a mite species that severely impacts pepper production, infesting plants from the seedling stage through to fruit harvest.This study aims to analyze the population dynamics of P. latus in pepper cultivation in Manab Province, Ecuador.The research was conducted through field and laboratory phases, with samplings carried out between September and December 2022.Samples were collected from leaves, shoots, flowers and fruits.In the laboratory, the mites present were counted, and their different stages of development were identified.The results indicate that P. latus was present from the initial growth stages through to crop maturation.The highest mite populations were recorded during the flowering, fruiting and ripening phases, confirming that this species represents a major pest in pepper cultivation, significantly affecting yield and fruit quality.