Stop the spread of Botrytis with NoPath
Kenya’s avocado industry is booming, with exports projected to reach a market value of $175 million by 2025 (Source: USDA.gov). However, a new and devastating pest threatens to disrupt this momentum—the Persea mite (Oligonychus perseae). This mite was first detected in Nakuru County in Novemebr 2023, and has since rapidly spread to other key avocado-growing regions, posing a significant risk to yields, farmer incomes, and export quality.
If left unmanaged, Persea mite infestations can cause up to 20% yield losses, affecting both smallholder and commercial avocado farms. Its ability to thrive in warm conditions and reproduce quickly makes it a formidable challenge. The urgency to find an effective solution is steadily increasing.
Persea Mite: What is it?
Persea mite is a phytophagous mite (Acari: Tetranychidae). The scientific name is Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker & Abbatiello, 1976 . It is pale yellow in color.
Biology
O. perseae has five developmental stages: egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult, and under optimum temperatures, it takes 10 days from egg to adult.
Distribution of Persea Mite
It was first described in 1975 from specimens found on Mexican avocado plant material intercepted in Texas. It Spread from Mexico, the USA (California, Florida), Israel, Spain, and other avocado-growing regions. In Africa, it was first detected in Morrocco in 2019 (EPPO, 2019). It is likely spread through various ways including seedlings, harvesters, traders (Middlemen) etc.
Persea Mite damage:
The Hass variety is known to be the most susceptible to this pest, and that is not great news because Hass represents the larger percentage of the export avocado in Kenya.
1. Feeding Damage:
Circular chlorotic spots along midribs and veins on the undersides of leaves are initially observed. The spots turn to necrotic spots which reduces photosynthesis and transpiration efficiency.
2. Defoliation
Severe infestations can lead to leaf drop (defoliation), exposing fruit to sunburn and reducing yields.
Why Chemical Control is Not Enough
As with other challenges, conventional chemical pesticides may seem like a quick fix, but they often come with serious drawbacks such as:
- Harm to beneficial insects: Many broad-spectrum pesticides may eliminate both harmful pests and essential pollinators, disrupting the delicate ecosystem balance.
- Pesticide resistance: Repeated use of chemicals can lead to pesticide-resistant mite populations, rendering treatments ineffective over time.
- Residue concerns: Export markets are increasingly demanding high-quality, residue-free produce, making sustainable control methods increasingly necessary.
This is where Koppert’s biological solutions step in—offering a natural, effective, and eco-friendly approach to controlling Persea mites.
Koppert’s Proven Biological Solution: Spical Ulti-Mite
Koppert, is leveraging its extensive expertise to introduce a natural predator-based solution: Spical Ulti-Mite (Neoseiulus californicus).
How It Works:
- Predatory mites vs. Persea mite: Spical Ulti-Mite contains predatory mites that actively seek and feed on mites, naturally reducing their populations.
- Gradual and sustained control: The Ulti-Mite come in sachets that contain a breeding system that ensures a slow, controlled release of predatory mites over several weeks.
- Resistant to extreme conditions: Unlike chemical pesticides, this solution works effectively in both dry and humid climates—ideal for Kenya’s avocado-growing regions.
- No chemical residues: Farmers can harvest confidently without worrying about harmful residues affecting their export quality.
Our success so far
Koppert is at the forefront of research, running successful field trials in Nakuru County. In collaboration with local farmers and agronomists, these trials have demonstrated promising results:
- Two introductions of Spical Ulti-Mite reduced Persea mite populations below threshold levels.
- Farmers reported significant improvements in pest populations, with better leaf retention and increased yield potential.
- Cost-effectiveness: Biological control is not as expensive as commonly believed.
Breaking the Myths Around Biological Control
Despite the success of bio solutions, misconceptions still exist in the farming community:
Myth: “Biological control is expensive.”
Fact: The cost is competitive, and its long-term benefits far outweigh chemical alternatives.
Myth: “Biological solutions take too long to work.”
Fact: Koppert’s natural enemies establish quickly and provide effective, long-term control.
Koppert’s Commitment to Sustainable Avocado Farming
Koppert’s mission is 100% sustainable agriculture—not just for today, but for future generations. By pioneering biological solutions for Persea mite control, we are:
✔ Protecting farmers’ livelihoods by securing high-yielding, export-ready avocado crops.
✔ Preserving biodiversity by safeguarding beneficial insects essential for healthy farm ecosystems.
✔ Supporting Kenya’s position as a Africa’s avocado powerhouse, helping farmers to ensure compliance with international market standards.
What’s Next? How can you take action?
Persea mite may be new to Kenya, but with Koppert’s expertise and proven solutions, farmers now have hope & a sustainable way to protect their crops against this pest. Koppert is commited to working with avocado growers to secure the future of Kenya’s avocado industry and control Persea mite before it spreads further.
Contact us today to learn more about the pest and its solutions!
Call us: 0702 527 527
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