ABSTRACT This study investigated the profile of orchidists, their cultivation practices, and their knowledge about pests in orchid cultivation in the state of Bahia. There were applied 74 questionnaires to producers (amateurs and commercials) in 23 municipalities. The data were submitted to univariate statistics using the chi-square test, the Mann–Whitney U-test and the Kruskal–Wallis H-test. The survey shows that orchid cultivation is mostly practiced by women (67.6%) and those with higher education (48.7%). Most respondents were amateurs (87.8%). Insects (39.9%) and diseases (32.5%) were the main organisms associated with phytosanitary problems. The presence of insects was reported to occur mainly in the leaves (47%), mainly mealybugs (46.3%). Correspondence was significant between commercial and amateur groups according to the pairwise Mann–Whitney U-test(1) = 370.04 and p < 0.01. The Kruskal–Wallis H-test(27) = 924.78 and p < 0.01 discriminated categories between the groups. Despite the growing interest in orchid cultivation in the state of Bahia, most orchidists are amateurs. The study warns about the risk of pest dispersion between crops since exchanging plants and purchasing specimens in open markets are common practices.

RESUMO: O trânsito de plantas infestadas pode favorecer a introdução de herbívoros em regiões livres de pragas. Neste estudo, relata-se a presença de ácaros-praga em Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg. Os ácaros foram coletados de folhas de orquídeas com danos. Identificou-se Brevipalpus californicus (BANKS, 1904) (sensu latu), Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, 1949 e Tenuipalpus orchidofilo Moraes & Freire, 2001 (Tenuipalpidae). Até o momento, essas espécies não haviam sido registradas em D. phalaenopsis. O estudo alerta sobre a importância de cuidados fitossanitários adequados para o cultivo e comercialização de orquídeas, uma vez que esses ácaros também podem infestar outras plantas cultivadas, além de danificar orquídeas.

ABSTRACT: The transit of infested plants may favor the introduction of herbivores into pest-free regions. In this study, we reported the occurrence of pest mites in Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg. Mites were collected from orchid leaves with lesions. We identified Brevipalpus californicus (Banks, 1904) (sensu latu), Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, 1949 and Tenuipalpus orchidofilo Moraes & Freire, 2001 (Tenuipalpidae). These species had not been registered in D. phalaenopsis. This study reinforces the importance of adequate phytosanitary care for orchid cultivation, since these mites can infest other cultivated plants and damage orchids.