Cassava green mite

The cassava green mite (Mononychellus tanajoa) is a species of spider mite belonging to the family Tetranychidae and the order Trombidiformes. This minute arachnid is recognized globally as a major agricultural pest, specifically impacting cassava crops in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and other tropical regions.

The mite feeds primarily on the leaves and tender shoots of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). By piercing the plant tissue and extracting cellular fluids, the mite causes significant physiological stress, which directly translates into reduced tuber yields and loss of crop quality.

The life cycle of M. tanajoa involves egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult stages. The development process is highly dependent on climate conditions; warm and dry weather patterns drastically shorten the generation time, leading to exponential population growth and rapid infestation across fields.

Damage symptoms include the appearance of yellow stippling on leaves, followed by crinkling, leaf curling, and severe chlorosis. In advanced stages of infestation, the apical shoots of the plant may die back, creating a stunted growth pattern that hinders the plant's ability to undergo photosynthesis and store energy.

Management strategies for this pest require an integrated approach. Biological control, specifically the release of predatory mites such as Typhlodromalus aripo, has proven successful in sustainable management programs. Additionally, agronomic practices such as intercropping, field sanitation, and the promotion of resistant cassava varieties remain critical for minimizing economic losses.