Evaluation of potassium jasmonate as a phytovaccine for controlling tetranychus urticae in banana crops

Abstract

The intensive use of chemical acaricides against the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) has led to resistance and poses serious environmental and health risks. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of potassium jasmonate, a sustainable phytovaccine, for controlling T. urticae in banana crops in El Oro, Ecuador. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), three doses of potassium jasmonate (0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 L ha⁻¹) were applied. The reduction in the population of eggs and adults was quantified at 7, 14, 21, and 75 days. The results showed that the 0.75 L ha⁻¹ dose achieved a 92.90% reduction in eggs at 14 days, while 1.00 L ha⁻¹ achieved a 100% reduction in adults in the same period. At 75 days, the residual effect on eggs exceeded 80%. Potassium jasmonate is highly effective in inhibiting oviposition and early development. These findings strongly support the use of potassium jasmonate as a key sustainable tool in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for bananas.

Keywords: phytovaccine, Tetranychus urticae, banana, jasmonate, biological control.