Producers' cognitive perception of mite damage on papaya fruits

Martha Escarlet Beristain-Moreno, Juan A. Villanueva-Jimenez, Gabriel Otero-Colina, Francisco Osorio-Acosta, Marycruz Abato-Zárate

Abstract


Background: Mexico is the third largest producer of papaya (Carica papaya L.) worldwide. Tetranychus merganser is an important pest mite that damages this crop. Objective: To identify producers’ cognitive perceptions of the damage caused by T. merganser to commercial papaya orchards in the central area of Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology: A survey was conducted among 42 papaya producers, who completed a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of crop problems. Response variables were coded and weighted to set the following indicators: interpretation, recognition, impact on fruit quality, and management decisions. Subsequently, the relative weights of each indicator were determined to establish the perception index (PI). Results: The PI showed no relationship with the fruit quality indicator. However, a positive correlation was found with the indicators of interpretation, recognition, and management decisions. Papaya producers can identify mites and other pests affecting their crop, as well as the plant damage caused by T. merganser. This leads them to make management decisions based on the use of different acaricides. However, producers do not consider the relationship between mites and fruit quality. Although growers are aware of anthracnose damage, they did not perceive its management potential during flowering. Implications: Inadequate technical guidance may hinder the adoption of more effective and sustainable strategies. Conclusions: Growers perceive damage to papaya plants caused by T. merganser; however, they do not associate these effects with the fruit’s loss of quality, which is penalized in marketing. 

Keywords


Acari; Tetranychidae; Tetranychus merganser; fruit quality; Carica papaya

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v29i2.68942

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6894

Copyright (c) 2026 Martha Escarlet Beristain-Moreno, Juan A. Villanueva-Jimenez, Gabriel Otero-Colina, Francisco Osorio-Acosta, Marycruz Abato-Zárate

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