First reports of Oligonychus perseae in western Africa
Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) is a mite attacking avocado (Persea americana) originating in Mexico. It was recently reported for the first time in western Africa, in Ethiopia and Kenya.
In Ethiopia, it was first observed in 2022 in Amhara region causing damage on avocado plants, in 2023 in Oromia and Sidama regions and in 2024 in Benishangul-Gumuz, South Ethiopia and South West Ethiopia Peoples’ regions (Gutema et al., 2025).
The situation of Oligonychus perseae in Ethiopia can be described as: Present, widely distributed.
In Kenya, in July 2024, O. perseae was confirmed as the causative agent of floral abortion, defoliation, leaf rust and fruit drop on avocado plants in Nakuro and Baringo counties. The identity of the pest was confirmed by molecular testing (Khabi et al., 2025).
The situation of Oligonychus perseae in Kenya can be described as: Present, not widely distributed and not under official control.
Sources
Gutema BA, Dinka TD, Kidane H, Shimallis T, Mitiku G, Fikadu A, Wariyo A, Ahmed S, Nigussie B, Wondimu M, Edosa TT (2025) The first report on Persea mite (Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker and Abbatiello) in avocado productions in Ethiopia. Proceedings of Plant Protection Research Results 2025. Proceedings of Plant Protection Research Results. Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Khabi S, Mutui TM, Macharia I, Oronje M, Otipa M, Riungu G, Wasilwa L, Odhiambo H (2025) First report of the invasive Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on avocados in Kenya. Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology 41(1), 28-33.