Persian Journal of Acarology

Abstract The yellow date palm mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor), commonly known as “Boufaroua” in North Africa, is one of the most destructive pests affecting date palm production in the Ziban region of southeastern Algeria. Despite its economic importance, limited information is available on the ecological role of spontaneous weed flora in maintaining mite populations and facilitating seasonal infestations of date palms. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify weed species that may serve as alternative hosts of O. afrasiaticus, to determine their contribution to the seasonal persistence of the mite, and to evaluate how seasonal plant phenology and spatial variation among palm groves influence infestation dynamics. A six-month field survey was conducted from February to July 2021 in seven representative palm groves of the Ziban oases. The occurrence of O. afrasiaticus was monitored on date palms and associated weed species in relation to seasonal dynamics and spatial variation among sites. The mite was detected in all surveyed groves, with infestation intensity varying according to microclimatic conditions and grove management practices. Among date palm cultivars, Deglet Nour exhibited the highest susceptibility. A total of 76 weed species were recorded, of which five species (Cynodon dactylon, Daucus carota, Aster squamatus, Kochia scoparia, and Salsola tetragona) were confirmed as alternative hosts capable of sustaining mite populations. Infestation patterns showed a clear seasonal progression, with early establishment on herbaceous weeds during spring followed by a shift toward date palms under hot and dry summer conditions. These findings demonstrate that weed communities play a significant ecological role in the persistence and spread of O. afrasiaticus within oasis agroecosystems and highlight the importance of integrating targeted weed management into integrated pest management strategies for sustainable date palm protection.