Leaf anatomy and chemistry in ornamental Arecaceae species: possible barriers to Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) feeding

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), has been reported on 91 host plant species in Neotropicalregion. However, potential to feed on these plant species depends on anatomical and chemical characteristics, which caninfluence mite development and reproduction. Thus, in this study anatomical features such as cuticle-epidermis width,mesophyll depth and width, stomatal index and density; and also secondary metabolites (SM) concentration obtainedby thin layer chromatography were evaluated as potential barriers to mite feeding in 11 ornamental important Arecaceaespecies Coccothrinax barbadensis (Lodd. ex Mart.) Becc., Cocos nucifera L, Mauritia flexuosa L. f., Roystonea oleracea(Jacq.) O.F. Cook, Sabal mauritiiformis (Karsten) Griseb. & Wendl, Syagrus amara (Jacq.) Mart., S. coronata (Martius)Becc., S. romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman, S. sancona H. Karsten, S. schizophylla (Mart.) Glassman and S. stenopetalaBurret. Although differences in cuticle and depth mesophyll were detected, these variables seem not to represent a feedingbarrier for R. indica feeding. Conversely, stomata disposition on leaf surface could make infra-capitulum and stylets easierto penetrate and feed. More detailed studies on anatomy and chemical composition of Arecaceae and Zingiberales speciesshould be addressed to determine their effect on red palm mite´s development and reproduction.