Effect of different ground cover management on spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) and their phytoseiid (Acari: Phytoseiidae) enemies in citrus orchards

We determined the effect of ground cover on phytoseiid predatory mite populations and the potential biological control of Panonychus citri (McGregor). Results showed that citrus trees with ground cover contained higher population densities of predatory mites and provided better regulation of P. citri than trees in bare soil. The ground cover Ageratum conyzoides L. performed better than Palspalum notatum Flugge in sheltering phytoseiid mites.     

Influence of ground cover management on diversity and density of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Guadeloupean citrus orchards

The abundance and diversity of phytoseiid mites in the vegetal ground cover of a citrus orchard were surveyed by monthly samplings from October 2008 to July 2009. Six different vegetal cover management methods were studied: herbicide application without mowing (Gly), mowing without herbicide application (PV), mowing with herbicide application (AV), late mowing without herbicide application (LMV), cover crop (Neonotonia wightii, Fabaceae) without herbicide application (PNeo) and cover crop with herbicide application (ANeo). Eleven species were present in the ground cover, with Phytoseius rex and Proprioseiopsis mexicanus as major species. Species richness and densities (1.5 ± 4.5) in the Gly treatment were very low, except for one sample 4 months after herbicide treatment. The AV and PV treatments showed poor diversity and very low mite densities (1.2 ± 2.6 and 1.4 ± 1.5, respectively). The LMV treatment showed the highest diversity and high density of phytoseiid mites (6.9 ± 8.8). The ANeo and PNeo treatments also showed generally high diversity, but with variations in time and exhibited the highest density of phytoseiid mites (13.5 ± 12.7 and 13.4 ± 9.1, respectively). Neonotonia wightii as the cover crop seems to act as a reservoir of phytoseiid mites, sustaining abundant and diverse populations all year round. Some naturally occurring plant species such as Achyranthes aspera, Amaranthus dubius and Eleutheranthera ruderalis could also constitute favourable host plants for Phytoseiidae. Results are discussed in relation to the potential of collected phytoseiid species as candidates for biological control of phytophagous mites on Guadeloupean citrus orchards.     

Biosystematics of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) associated with cassava

Laboratory crossing experiments indicate that populations of A. limonicus sensu lato collected from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Brazil (Cruz das Almas) and Colombia (Palmira and Monteria) are conspecific and different from A. limonicus Garman & McGregor sensu stricto collected in Riverside, California, USA and Jaguariuna, Brazil. A. limonicus s.l. did not cross with A. tenuiscutus, A. rapax or A. limonicus s.s.. A. limonicus s.s. did not cross with A. rapax. Populations of A. aerialis, A. anonymus and A. idaeus from Colombia are conspecific with Brazilian populations of these species.     

Distortion of the spermathecae of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in slide preparation

The shape and dimensions of the spermathecae are taxonomically important characteristics in phytoseiid mites. In experiments with Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) and Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten, the shape of the cervix of the spermatheca changed considerably and its diameter was increased by 42–49% when mites were flattened, compared to being mounted with 140m spacers underneath the coverslips. Dimensions of the dorsal shield were also affected by flattening, increasing by 3–5%.     

Evaluation of astigmatid mites as factitious food for rearing four predaceous phytoseiid mites (Acari: Astigmatina; Phytoseiidae)

Phytoseiids are possibly the most important mites used in biological control and are usually produced using a tritrophic system that, although efficient, is expensive and laborious. Mites of the cohort Astigmatina (Sarcoptiformes) have been used as factitious prey in the mass rearing of phytoseiids and may allow a much simpler production system. This research evaluated the potential of ten Astigmatina species to serve as factitious food sources for Euseius concordis (Chant), Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark and Muma, Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes and Neoseiulus californicus McGregor, all phytoseiid species commonly found in different countries. The high fecundity and survival rates obtained suggest that Thyreophagus n. sp. is a suitable prey for rearing N. barkeri and that Austroglycyphagus lukoschusi (Fain) and Blomia tropicalis is suitable for rearing N. californicus. Oviposition by E. concordis was negligible, but survivorship was high on most prey species, suggesting that these species may be useful for maintenance of the predator. I. zuluagai had low fecundity and survival on all the astigmatid species evaluated and none were suitable for its rearing.     

Factors affecting the potential of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as biocontrol agents in North-Italian vineyards

The results of a 5-year study on the relationships between spider mites and their predators in vineyards in Northern Italy are reported. The efficacy of the two predatory mites appeared to be strongly affected by various factors (grape variety, presence of macropredators, climatic condition, interspecific competition, phytoseiid strain). The phytoseiid mitesAmblyseius aberrans (Oud.) andTyphlodromus pyri Scheuten were released at three different density levels in two vineyards (A, B) infested byEotetranychus carpini (Oud.). One strain ofA. aberrans and two strains ofT. pyri were used for the experiments. In vineyard A,Panonychus ulmi (Koch) was recorded in the second and subsequent years of the experiments and became dominant overE. carpini from the third year onwards. The presence of anthocorids in the same vineyard increased the complexity of the system and gave us the possibility of comparing two very different situations. Release of low numbers ofA. aberrans gave a satisfactory control of spider mite populations in both vineyards. These results were even obtained on a variety non preferred by phytoseiids (Merlot) and with the continuous presence of anthocorids (vineyard A). After 5 years,A. aberrans was observed in 53% of the plots in vineyard A and in all plots of the other vineyard (B). Results of experiments in whichT. pyri was released were similar to those obtained in the experiments withA. aberrans, but only in the first year of the study. In vineyard A, theT. pyri populations declined dramatically from the second year onwards; the use of a non-preferred variety (Merlot) and the continuous presence of anthocorids seemed the most important factors causing the decline of predatory mite density. In vineyard B,T. pyri was capable of controlling spider mites even in the second year of the experiments. A very low density of macropredators and a preferred grape variety (Raboso) positively affected control. The density ofT. pyri in vineyard B decreased at the end of the second year because of adverse climatic conditions (high temperatures in combination with a low relative humidity). The decrease ofT. pyri allowed the displacement of this species byA. aberrans in all plots of vineyard B. It was also shown that the twoT. pyri strains differed in their efficacy to control spider mites. The research was partially supported by a grant from Regione Veneto (“Lotta biologica e integrata nel controllo di insetti ed acari dannosi”). The general lines of the research were planned by C. Duso and the most relevant part of the experiments was carried out by the same author. C. Pasqualetto contributed to the experimental work especially during 1989 and 1990.     

Plantago asiatica groundcover supports Amblyseius tsugawai (Acari: Phytoseiidae) populations in apple orchards

Amblyseius tsugawai Ehara (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a major predator of spider mites in orchards in Japan. To support populations in apple orchards in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, we investigated whether it can use Plantago asiatica L. as a food resource. In laboratory tests, survival did not differ significantly between female adults given water only and those given a piece of P. asiatica leaf and water. However, A. tsugawai reproduces by feeding on P. asiatica pollen, and significantly more mites were reared on P. asiatica pollen than on tea pollen, which is commonly used for rearing phytoseiid mites. In orchards in 2013, female adults were observed on leaves of P. asiatica from late May; numbers peaked in mid-June and gradually decreased until late July. Most adults were found along veins on the hidden sides of the leaves. Female adults were also collected in Phyto traps attached to plants between late May and early August. Pollen production of P. asiatica peaked from mid-June to early July, when numbers of adults peaked on the plants. These results suggest that conservation of P. asiatica in apple orchards would sustain A. tsugawai populations.     

有益真绥螨与巴氏新小绥螨的集团内捕食和同类相残作用

【目的】有益真绥螨Euseius utilis是北方地区广泛分布的一种多食性植绥螨,而巴氏新小绥螨Neoseiulus barkeri目前在我国广泛应用于农业害虫的生物防治中。本研究旨在对巴氏新小绥螨在本地的应用进行风险评估及为与有益真绥螨的联合释放提供依据。【方法】本研究在室内通过一系列实验,比较了实验室饲养的巴氏新小绥螨和采自内蒙古农业大学校园的有益真绥螨的雌成螨对同种或异种未成熟螨的捕食量、存活时间及产卵量的差异,检测了有益真绥螨与巴氏新小绥螨两种植绥螨相互之间的攻击强度以及种内和种间的相互作用。【结果】两种植绥螨都难以刺吸同种或异种植绥螨的卵,而对同种或异种植绥螨幼螨的捕食量最大,其次是对若螨。在无共同食物的情况下,有益真绥螨雌成螨对同种植绥螨幼螨的攻击性比对异种植绥螨幼螨的攻击性强(BreslowDay检验:χ~2=13.84,df=1,P0.001),且有益真绥螨对同种植绥螨幼螨的捕食量(9.10±1.65头)高于对异种植绥螨幼螨的捕食量(5.31±1.43头)(T检验:t=5.487,P0.001),巴氏新小绥螨对异种植绥螨幼螨的捕食量(7.48±0.75头)高于对同种植绥螨幼螨的捕食量(4.75±0.58头)(T检验:t=9.110,P0.05)。【结论】有益真绥螨更倾向于捕食同种幼螨而发生同类相残;巴氏新小绥螨更倾向于捕食异种幼螨而发生集团内捕食。     

Biological control of spider mites on grape by phytoseiid mites (Acari: Tetranychidae,Phytoseiidae): emphasis on regional aspects

Leaf samples were taken from 34 (1998) and 10 (1999) vineyards in five valleys in western Oregon to assess spider mite pests and biological control by predaceous phytoseiid mites. A leaf at a coordinate of every 10 m of border, 5 m into a vineyard, was taken to minimize edge effects; 20 leaves were taken at regular intervals from vineyard centers. Variables recorded at each site included grape variety and plant age, chemicals used, and vegetation next to vineyards. Sites were rated as occurring in agricultural versus riparian settings based on surrounding vegetation types. Multiple linear regressions and a computer genetic algorithm with an information content criterion were used to assess variables that may explain mite abundances. Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten was the dominant phytoseiid mite species and Tetranychus urticae Koch the dominant tetranychid mite species. High levels of T. urticae occurred when phytoseiid levels were low, and low levels of T. urticae were present when phytoseiid levels were high to moderate. T. urticae densities were higher in vineyards surrounded by agriculture, but phytoseiid levels did not differ between agricultural and riparian sites. Phytoseiids had higher densities on vineyard edges; T. urticae densities were higher in centers. Biological control success of pest mites was rated excellent in 11 of 44 vineyards, good in 27, and poor in only six sites. Predaceous mites appeared to be the principal agents regulating spider mites at low levels in sites where pesticides nontoxic to predators were used. Effects of surrounding vegetation, grape variety, growing region, and other factors on mites are discussed.     

Aerial dispersal of European red mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in commercial apple orchards

Aerial dispersal of European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), in commercial apple orchards was estimated by trapping windborne mites. Studies were conducted at four orchards in eastern New York during 1989 and 1990 and at three orchards in western New York during 1989. In each orchard mites were trapped in three locations; the interior of the orchard, at the border of the orchard and in a field or woodlot beyond the orchard. Large numbers of mites were captured, even when the numbers of mites on apple foliage were well below levels where mite injury to leaves was visible (less than five per leaf). The log numbers of mites trapped were linearly related to the log density of mites on leaves and this relationship was consistent for each year and region the study was conducted. The trap captures among the three locations in and outside an orchard were highly correlated. The implications these findings may have on metapopulation dynamics and resistance to acaricide dynamics are discussed.     

Colonization of Languedoc vineyards by phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae): influence of wind and crop environment

A natural increase of phytoseiid mite populations (Kampimodromus aberrans, Typhlodromus pyri and Phytoseius plumifer) was observed in vineyards in Languedoc, Burgundy and Corsica under integrated pest management strategies. The aim of the present study was to characterize the mechanisms of this colonization in space and time in Languedoc. The abundance of phytoseiid mites in the vegetation close to three grape fields was determined twice a year (May and July). Aerial (funnels with water) and soil (felt strip) traps were placed in and around grape fields, in order to assess the colonization potential provided by aerial dispersal and ambulatory locomotion. The populations of phytoseiid mites in the crops were studied twice a month in order to gain information on the make up of the dispersal populations. The species K. aberrans was found in largest quantities in the traps, in the natural vegetation and in the crops. Predatory mite dispersal occurred essentially by aerial dispersal and was dependent on the wind intensity and wind direction. Identical sex ratios were observed in migrant populations and in populations present in the grape fields, woody areas and hedges. A large proportion of immatures was found to move by aerial dispersal. The colonization potential (rapidity, intensity and regularity) was directly associated with the abundance of the phytoseiids and the proximity of natural vegetation. A deep, dense and tall woody area containing suitable host plants for predatory mites constituted the most stable source of phytoseiid mites. Natural colonization of vineyards provides considerable phytoseiid mite potential that could be managed in an agricultural landscape.     

Resistance levels ofTyphlodromus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Washington apple orchards to ten pesticides

Nine Washington populations ofTyphlodromus (=Metaseiulus) occidentalis Nesbitt collected from commercial apple orchards were surveyed for resistance to ten pesticides. A susceptible population collected from wild blackberry which had no history of pesticide exposure was used in estimating resistance development. All populations from apple orchards were tolerant to high concentrations of azinphosmethyl, diazinon, endosulfan and propargite. Resistance was also apparent to these materials, especially for azinphosmethyl which produced over 100-fold resistance levels for several populations. Moderate to low levels of tolerance and resistance development were seen to field concentrations of cyhexatin, formetanate and carbaryl. Fenvalerate, methomyl and methidathion were all very toxic at field concentrations and little evidence of resistance development was apparent. The use of fenvalerate, methomyl or methidathion at a time whenT. occidentalis is active would likely abrogate favorable biological control of pestiferous orchard mites.Scientific Paper No. 7502     

Aerial dispersal of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae): estimating falling speed and dispersal distance of adult females

Aerial dispersal is important to immigration and redistribution of phytoseiid mites that often can provide biological control of spider mite pests. Falling speed of a mite and wind largely determine dispersal distance of such a passively blown organism. A diffusion model of wind-blown phytoseiids could provide insight into their dispersal. To this end, we measured body weights and falling speeds of adult females of 13 phytoseiid and one tetranychid mite species. These data were then incorporated into seed dispersal models (Greene and Johnson, Okubo and Levin) and results were compared to mite dispersal distances in wind tunnel, greenhouse and field. Weights of phytoseiid species ranged from 5.25 to 2l.7 μg; starved mites weighed less than fed mites. Geometric diameters ( d _g ) of idiosomas were correlated to weights. Falling speeds for phytoseiids were 0.39–0.73 m/s, and less than for T. urticae (0.79 m/s) in still air. In some species, active mites had slower falling speeds than inactive (anesthetized) mites indicating that behavior may influence falling. Starved mites had significantly slower falling speeds than fed mites and dispersed farther. Equation-based estimates of falling speed were close to measured ones (2–8% deviation) for some species. There were significant relationships between falling speed and body weight and morphological traits. Greene and Johnson's seed dispersal model provided better fits to dispersal of mites in the wind tunnel, greenhouse and field studies than Okubo and Levin's model. Limits of models in describing mite dispersal distance and applications to IPM are discussed.     

Three new species of phytoseiid mites from Kenya (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae)

The following 13 species of predacious mites of the family Phytoseiidae are recorded from various plants in Kenya: Amblyseius albizziae sp. nov., A. kenyae sp. nov., A. natalensis Van der Merwe, A. lokele Pritchard & Baker, A. largoensis (Muma), A. rykei Pritchard & Baker, A. teke Pritchard & Baker, Typholdromus kikuyuensis sp. nov., T. magdalenae Pritchard & Baker, Phytoseius amba Pritchard & Baker, p. ferox Pritchard & Baker, Iphiseius degenerans (Berlese), I. gongylus Pritchard & Baker. The new species and the male of A. natalensis are described.     

Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on apple trees and in surrounding vegetation in southern Finland. Densities and species composition

Leaf samples were collected from sprayed (n=29) and unsprayed (n=19) apple orchards, from the surrounding vegetation (n=58) and from one arboretum (n=12), altogether from 46 plant species (1–5 samples each). The density of phytoseiid mites averaged 1.2 mites/leaf on unsprayed apple trees, but only 0.06 mites/leaf on sprayed trees. The phytoseiid density exceeded 1/leaf onAesculus hippocastani, Aristolochia macrophylla, Corylus avellana, Fragaria vesca, Frxinus excelsior, Juglans cinerea, Pterocarya rhoifolia, Ribes nigrum, Rubus odoratus, Sorbus aucuparia, S. thuringiaca, Tilia×euchlora andUlmus glabra. Other common trees and bushes inhabited by phytoseiids wereCrataegus coccinea (0.2 mites/leaf),Prunus padus (0.7),Salix caprea (0.4), andTilia cordata (0.9).Twelve species of phytoseiid mites were found, of which ten occurred on unsprayed apple trees. The most widely distributed species on apple trees werePhytoseius macropilis (in 79% of unsprayed samples),Euseius finlandicus (74%),Paraseiulus soleiger (53%),Paraseiulus triporus (37%),Amblyseius canadensis (26%) andAnthoseius rhenanus (26%). The highest densities on apple trees were found in populations ofE. finlandicus (mean 0.7 mites/leaf),Ph. macropilis (0.5) andA. canadensis (0.5). On sprayed apple trees,E. finlandicus, Pa. soleiger andPh. macropilis occurred most commonly, but their mean densities were under 0.1/leaf. Almost no phytoseiids were found in orchards sprayed with oxydemetonmethyl before blooming of apple.On other plants,E. finlandicus occurred most commonly (on 33 plant species) and in the highest densities, followed byPh. macropilis (14),Pa. soleiger (12),Pa. triporus (12) andAn. rhenanus (7).Seiulus aceri andParaseiulus talbii were identified as new phytoseiid species in Finland. It is concluded that deciduous trees and bushes in forest margins around orchards can serve as important reservoirs for phytoseiid mites, and that the dominant species in these plants would migrate into and colonize the orchards if the use of harmful chemicals were restricted.     

The distribution and abundance of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on citrus in southern Africa and their possible value as predators of citrus thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

On citrus in Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa, predacious mites of the subfamily Amblyseiinae are more common and found in greater numbers than phytoseiids of the subfamily Phytosciinae. The author's survey and other collection data indicated that within the Amblyseiinae the genus Euseius Wainstein is the most widely distributed. Seven Euseius spp. have been recorded on citrus in the above countries but not more than one species has been found at any particular site and time. E. citri (Van der Merwe and Ryke) has the broadest geographical distribution and is capable of suppressing population levels of the citrus thrips Scirtothrips aurantii Faure. However, it is not as effective a biocontrol agent as E. addoensis (Van der Merwe and Ryke) which occurs in higher numbers further south. An orchard comparison of the non-target effects of thripicides showed that E. citri was more susceptible to sabadilla alkaloids (0.0024% AI) plus sugar (0.96%) than to tartar emetic (0.398% AI) plus sugar (0.4%). The author's survey provides the first records of E. orygmus (Ueckermann and Loots) and E. tutsi (Pritchard and Baker) on citrus in Zimbabwe. Typhlodromalus Muma spp. were not widely distributed but where they did occur they were often abundant and sometimes coexisted with Euseius spp. Circumstantial evidence indicated that Typhlodromalus spp. may be effective thrips predators. The combination of Euseius and Typhlodromalus spp. may provide more effective biological control of citrus thrips than either species alone. Amblydromella Muma spp. were the only representatives of the subfamily Phytoseiinac currently found on citrus and they occurred only in the Transvaal and Natal provinces of South Africa. The possibility that Amblydromella spp. compete with Amblyseiinae is discussed.     

The impact of insecticides applied in apple orchards on the predatory mite Kampimodromus aberrans (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Kampimodromus aberrans is an effective predatory mite in fruit orchards. The side-effects of insecticides on this species have been little studied. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of insecticides on K. aberrans. Field experiments showed the detrimental effects of etofenprox, tau-fluvalinate and spinosad on predatory mites. Spider mite (Panonychus ulmi) populations reached higher densities on plots treated with etofenprox and tau-fluvalinate than in the other treatments. Single or multiple applications of neonicotinoids caused no detrimental effects on predatory mites. In the laboratory, spinosad and tau-fluvalinate caused 100 % mortality. Etofenprox caused a significant mortality and reduced fecundity. The remaining insecticides did not affect female survival except for imidacloprid. Thiamethoxam, clothianidin, thiacloprid, chlorpyrifos, lufenuron and methoxyfenozide were associated with a significant reduction in fecundity. No effect on fecundity was found for indoxacarb or acetamiprid. Escape rate of K. aberrans in laboratory was relatively high for etofenprox and spinosad, and to a lesser extent thiacloprid. The use of etofenprox, tau-fluvalinate and spinosad was detrimental for K. aberrans and the first two insecticides induced spider mite population increases. The remaining insecticides caused no negative effects on predatory mites in field trials. Some of them (reduced fecundity and repellence) should be considered with caution in integrated pest management programs.