Exogenous application of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate to coffee plants affects the performance and population growth of Brevipalpus yothersi

Abstract BACKGROUND Salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a jasmonic acid (JA) derivative, are elicitors that induce and activate plant defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens. The mite Brevipalpus yothersi colonizes various economically important crops and can be a vector for phytophagous viruses. Previous studies have demonstrated that Arabidopsis colonization by B. yothersi triggers the expression of SA and JA pathway genes. However, it remains unclear whether the performance and population growth of B. yothersi on Coffea arabica genotypes are affected by the induction of defense mechanisms (exogenous application of SA and MeJA), as well as its interaction with the population growth of a predatory phytoseiid mite. RESULTS Fecundity, fertility, and survival of B. yothersi were affected by SA and MeJA but not by C. arabica genotypes Oro Azteca, Talisman, and Maragogipe. Phytophagous mite population growth was affected by coffee genotypes and elicitor treatment in the greenhouse, but only by elicitor treatment in the field cage. The population growth of predatory phytoseiid mites was affected by genotype and elicitor treatment. CONCLUSION Exogenous application of SA and MeJA on C. arabica genotypes affect the performance and population growth of B. yothersi , as well as the population growth of predatory phytoseiid mites. Our results may be useful to improve control methods for arthropods of agricultural importance. SA and MeJA present promising options that can be integrated into pest management strategies, especially in vulnerable crops such as coffee, and specifically to control the mite B. yothersi , a well‐known vector of phytopathogenic viruses. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.