Eriophyid mite Tegolophus indica Chakrabarti and Mondal (Acari: Prostigmata) a damaging pest of jackfruit in West Bengal, India

Jackfruit is infested by eriophyid mite, Tegolophus indica causing considerable damage in West Bengal. Little work has been carried out on its occurrence, damage pattern, impact on yield and management aspects. Hence, the present experiment was undertaken to study the incidence, population dynamics, symptoms and intensity of damage caused by eriophyid mite. Results revealed that highest population of mite on tender leaves was observed during 1^st fortnight of June (60.44/2cm²) and it declined thereafter. Highest population of 39.07/2cm² and 38.80/2cm² mites were noticed during 3^rd and 4^th standard week in female spikes while population of 33/2cm² mite noticed in male spikes during 4^th standard week. Weather parameters influenced the pest population to the extent of 72% (R² = 0.719; p < 0.05) and 82% (R² = 0.818; p < 0.05) on female and male spikes, respectively. The infested tender leaves turned small, thick and rusty brown; while severely infested leaves fallen prematurely. Female spikes were preferred more than male spikes and population found to be congregated at stalk of the spikes resulting dropping of the fruits.