14/11/2025
FARMS PEST INVASION IN KANDARA
The persea mite (Oligonychus perseae).
This invasive spider mite, native to Mexico and first reported in Kenya in Nakuru County in November 2023, has since spread to multiple avocado-growing regions. Though small in size, its impact is proving immense, threatening the productivity, quality, and profitability of a sector.
This pest undermines production and export quality and also threatens not just foreign exchange earnings but also rural livelihoods.
Managing persea mite, however, is no simple task. The pest’s protective webs shield it from sprays, while its rapid reproduction makes it difficult to keep populations below damaging levels. Currently, no pesticide is officially registered for its control in Kenya.
Cultural control practices include regular scouting every 7–10 days, pruning to open dense canopies, and ensuring good orchard sanitation to prevent mites from hitchhiking on farm equipment. Farmers are advised to source only clean, certified seedlings to avoid spreading the pest into new zones. Alternate host plants, such as weeds and ornamentals that harbor mites, should be removed from around orchards.
Biological control shows promise through predatory mites, which can be released into orchards to suppress persea mite populations. Trials suggest that introducing about 2,000 predators per tree can help restore balance
For small orchards, high-pressure water sprays can physically dislodge mite colonies from leaves. Chemical control, where absolutely necessary, should be based on monitoring thresholds.
Research institutions like KALRO are expected to investigate resistant varieties and local biocontrol options. County governments are urged to provide farmer training and extension services, while industry associations such as FPEAK are central to building farmer awareness .
