Biology, ecology, and management of the bulb mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Acari: Acaridae)

Bulb mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Claparède) (Acari: Acaridae) have been identified as pests of many crops and ornamentals in storage, in the greenhouse, and in the field. The most importanthosts are species in the family Liliaceae (e.g. Allium spp.), but bulb mites will often attack otherimportant crops such as potatoes (Solanum sp.) and carrots (Daucus carota). Despite their economicimportance and broad distribution, the systematics of the genus remains in a state of confusion and is inneed of a comprehensive revision. In addition, the field biology and ecology of these mites is not wellunderstood, and methods for sampling, monitoring, and loss assessment are limited. Management of bulbmites is complicated by their short generation time, high reproductive potential, broad food niche,interactions with other pests and pathogens, and unique adaptations for dispersal. Historically, control ofthese acarine pests has relied on the use of synthetic miticides and insecticides, but this option is nowlimited due to documented resistance and withdrawal of registration of some products. Alternativecontrol strategies, including cultural and biological control, have shown limited success, but need to befurther developed and implemented.     

Toxicological studies of the carbamates methomyl and bendiocarb in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Acari: Acaridae)

Methomyl was 15 and 31.3 times more toxic than bendiocarb to bulb mites at the LC50 and LC90 values respectively. However, methomyl (pI50 3.0) was at least 126 times less active than bendiocarb (pI50 5.1) as an inhibitor of bulb mite cholinesterase in vitro. The disparity between the high toxicity of methomyl and its extremely low activity as an inhibitor of mite cholinesterase in vitro indicated that another mechanism was likely involved in its toxic action. Pharmacokinetic studies of methomyl and bendiocarb showed that penetration and metabolism were rapid and that there were no substantial differences in the internal levels of the respective parent carbamates during the 24 h test period. However, volatile radioactive material(s), some of which was carbon dioxide, was produced in appreciably greater amounts from methomyl than from bendiocarb. We speculate that the production of volatiles, such as carbon dioxide, acetonitrile and/or methylamine, may contribute to the toxicity of methomyl to bulb mites. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Susceptibility of the pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) toward δ-endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis under laboratory conditions

A series of natural crystal proteins from B. thuringiensis subsp. Alesti 12–25, caucasicus, galleriae 11–67, galleriae 6–96, kenyae, and shondungensis and spore‐crystal preparations from finitimus 11–66 and from a recombinant strain of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki expressing Cry 1 Ga1 only, were assessed as a toxic agent for the pine processionary caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa. Some preparations had a thoroughly investigated composition and contained Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab2, Cry1Ab7, Cry1D, Cry1F, Cry 1 Ga1, Cry9Aa, Cry26 crystal proteins, whereas crystals of B. thuringiensis subsp. caucasicus, kenyae, and shondungensis harboured predominantly unidentified toxins distant from commonly used prototypes. Bioassays were based on the simultaneous assignment of each treatment to groups of 20 full sibling first‐instar larvae, obtained from broods of a population from North‐western Italy. The toxin was applied to pine needles by the leaf dipping method and the effect was registered in both feeding inhibition and mortality. B. thuringiensis subsp. caucasicus, kenyae, galleriae 6–96, alesti, and galleriae 11–67 gave the best results in terms of both feeding inhibition and larval mortality. Broods tested in B. thuringiensis bioassays showed a substantial variation in susceptibility to the toxins, suggesting the potential development of resistance in the population.     

Effects of methoprene and Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelenis) on non-target insects

The effects of mosquito larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and methoprene, on non-target benthic invertebrates were studied in a divided pond experiment in south-central Minnesota, USA, during the spring and summer of 1989. Density and biomass of insects and other benthic macroinvertebrates were quite low in all sections of the three ponds studied, which may have been due to three consecutive years of drought, but richness appeared to be high and we observed no evidence of dominance by a particular group. We also saw no evidence of negative effects of larvicide treatment on density or biomass of any invertebrate group, nor was there a treatment-related decrease in richness of benthic invertebrate taxa under these drought conditions.     

Sub-lethal effects of fenbutatin oxide on prey location by the predatory mite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Iphiseiodes zuluagai</Emphasis> (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

We used a Y-tube olfactometer to assess the sub-lethal effects of the acaricide fenbutatin oxide on the olfactory response of the predatory mite Iphiseiodes zuluagai towards odours from: (1) air or undamaged coffee plants; (2) undamaged or red spider mite Oligonychus ilicis-infested coffee plants; (3) undamaged or false spider mite Brevipalpus phoenicis-infested coffee plants. Predatory mite adult females were exposed to residues of fenbutatin oxide or distilled water on leaf discs during a period of 72 h prior experiments. When exposed to distilled water (control treatments), predatory mites significantly preferred undamaged plants over air, O. ilicis-infested plants over undamaged plants, and they did not prefer B. phoenicis-infested plants over undamaged plants. However, predatory mites that had been exposed to residues of fenbutatin oxide were neither attracted towards undamaged plants nor to O. ilicis-infested plants. Thus, fenbutatin oxide affected negatively the olfactory response of I. zuluagai. We conclude that sub-lethal-effect studies should be considered in pesticide selectivity programs since the ability of predatory mites to locate their prey may be negatively affected by non-lethal concentrations of pesticides.     

食物对刺足根螨生长发育、繁殖及休眠体产生的影响

在(25±1)℃、(95±5)%RH、全黑暗条件下,研究了4种食物对刺足根螨生长发育、繁殖及休眠体产生的影响。结果表明:取食马铃薯、马铃薯淀粉及鱼粉后,刺足根螨能完成世代发育,但其取食滤纸不能完成世代发育;在适宜的温湿度条件下,供试的4种食物对刺足根螨休眠体的产生无影响。     

不同品系番茄对番茄刺皮瘿螨生长发育的影响

为了弄清楚不同番茄品种对番茄刺皮瘿螨Aculops lycopersici (Massee)的抗感性程度,通过田间调查、室内盆栽接螨和离体培养等方法,考察了12个番茄品种（系）（多茸毛类YZ618和YZ619;少茸毛类YZ419, YZ507和YZ504;野生品系YZ7和YZ5 叶黄类YZ401;常规品系YZ406,YZ412,YZ413和YZ515）上番茄刺皮瘿螨的种群发育情况。结果表明：番茄刺皮瘿螨在不同番茄品种（系）上的种群密度有明显差异,野生品系YZ7及多茸毛品系YZ618和YZ619上较低,少茸毛品系YZ504,YZ507和YZ419较高。不同番茄品种（系）可能是通过影响螨的存活率和产卵能力来影响在品种（系）上的种群发展。离体培养观察发现,番茄刺皮瘿螨的存活率在少茸毛品系YZ504和YZ507上最高,其次是品系YZ419,野生品系YZ7上最低。在YZ504上的产卵量最大,YZ419和YZ507次之,YZ7最小。根据实验种群参数判断,野生品系YZ7及多茸毛品系YZ618和YZ619感螨程度低,为抗性品系; 少茸毛品系YZ504,YZ419和YZ507感螨程度高,为感螨品系。     

A synthesis of laboratory and field studies on the effects of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize on non‐target Lepidoptera

One of the major applications of transgenic crops in agriculture are the so‐called Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) plants, in particular Bt maizes, which produce insecticidal Cry proteins that target specific orders, such as the Lepidoptera or Coleoptera. We reviewed publications that reported on the direct toxic effects of Bt‐maize and/or Cry proteins of current Bt‐maize events on larvae of non‐target butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera). In total, 20 peer‐reviewed publications were identified, of which 16 papers contributed laboratory‐based data and seven field‐based data. An adverse effect on caterpillars was recorded in 52% of all laboratory‐based and in 21% of all field‐based observations. The variables most often studied and having the highest occurrence of effects were larval survival, body mass, and developmental time. Parameters of the adult stage were under‐represented in the studies. Overall, 11 lepidopteran species were tested. The majority of the studies originated from the USA, with the Monarch butterfly being the most studied, whereas other species and other parts of the world were widely neglected. Laboratory experiments were often run under unrealistic conditions from an ecological point of view. Although the papers we reviewed indicated a potential hazard for Lepidoptera that are exposed to and feed on lepidopteran‐specific Bt‐maize pollen, a general conclusion on the level of risk for butterflies and moths cannot as yet be drawn. A comprehensive risk characterization would require thorough hazard identification, exposure assessment, and impact assessment. However, our review showed that even the basic level of hazard characterization is as yet incomplete. Reasons for this are the still‐limited numbers of publications and concurrent lack of knowledge, the restriction of data to only a few species, the over‐representation of North American species, and the identified limitations of both laboratory and field experiments. The findings of this review suggest that more realistic, ecologically meaningful, and detailed experiments and analyses are crucial to improve the present assessment of Bt‐maize cultivation effects on Lepidoptera.     

Effects of triflumuron on the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranichydae)

The effects of triflumuron on the mortality, fecundity, and fertility of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, were evaluated in the laboratory. No differences in toxicity for larvae, protonymphs and deutonymphs were observed, but immature stages were 3.8-times more susceptible than adults at the LC₅₀. The compound exhibited a direct contact ovicidal activity influenced by eggs age. 48–72 hold eggs were significantly more sensitive than eggs of the other age classes. No hatch inhibition was observed in eggs laid by treated adult females using a sublethal dose at two physiological times (<12 and 48–72h old). However, fecundity decreased in younger treated females, but it increased in the older-ones. The toxicity for immatures and eggs, and the sublethal effects described suggest that triflumuron could be an interesting incorporation in integrated pest programs of T. urticae. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Biological studies of the predacious mite Amblyseius swirskii,a predator of the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus on pepper plants (Acari: Phytoseiidae: Tarsonemidae)

The predatory phytoseiid mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) completed its lifespan when fed on females of the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks). The development was the quickest and the number of prey consumed was highest when individuals were reared at 28?°C compared with 19?°C. The average number of eggs/female/day was 2.36 and 1.69, respectively. Life table parameters showed that the population of A. swirskii multiplied 16 and 20 times in a generation time of 22 and 18?days at 19 and 28?°C, respectively. Under these conditions, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.139 and 0.170 individuals/female/day, respectively.     

Sublethal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis on the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana

Exposing larvae of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), to sublethal ( 50% lethal dose) levels of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki at various stages of their development significantly increased development time to the pupal stage and reduced pupal size and number of eggs laid per female, but did not affect the proportion of embryonated eggs. The changes in larval development time, pupal weight and fecundity depended on the larval stage that was treated. Exposure of fourth instars delayed larval development and reduced only male pupal weights with no effects on fecundity. Exposure of sixth instars delayed larval development to a lesser extent than exposure of fourth instars but had a pronounced effect on weight of both male and female pupae. The effect on pupal weight was sex dependent, as males tended to be more affected than females. The reduction in male pupal weight did not appear to influence fecundity, because the effect of exposure was explained by the change in female pupal weight. Effects on larval growth and pupal weight were proportional to the dose that was ingested during exposure, and were observed at doses as low as one-tenth of the LD₅₀. Ingestion of an LD₅₀ caused a 29 or 45% delay in development of, respectively, female or male larvae when exposed as fourth instars and a 30% reduction in female pupal weight when larvae were exposed as sixth instars.     

Fine structure and function of the prosomal glands of the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae (Acari,Tetranychidae)

Summary The prosomal glands of Tetranychus urticae (Acari, Tetranychidae) were examined light and electron microscopically. Five paired and one unpaired gland are found both in females and males. The silk spinning apparatus consists of paired silk glands which extend laterally on both sides of the esophagus into the pedipalps. There, they enter the terminal silk gland bag which opens into a silk bristle at the apex of the pedipalps. The salivary secretions are formed in three paired glands which have an interconnecting duct, the podocephalic canal. The dorsal podocephalic glands may produce a serous secretion, the anterior podocephalic glands a mucous secretion, and the coxal organ may add a liquid, ion-rich secretion. These secretions pass the podocephalic canal and reach the mouth at the apex of the gnathosome. The function of the paired tracheal organs and the unpaired tracheal gland is still unclear. The tracheal gland may produce a secretion which facilitates the movement of the fused chelicerae and the stylets.This study was financed by a grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG Se 162/12)     

Within-plant and within-leaf dispersion pattern of two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) on okra

Tetranychus urticae distribution on spatial scale both within leaf and within plant was assessed by the index of dispersion (Id), Lloyd's mean crowding index (Imc), Lloyd's patchiness index (Ip) and Morisita's index (I _δ). Id values in all leaves and leaf parts promised aggregated distribution regardless of leaf position and leaf areas. The values of Imc estimated were all larger than the mean. The value of Ip and I _δ  also indicated increased degree of aggregation and clumping in all leaves and leaf areas. While pattern of distribution is same in all the leaves and leaf parts, population estimated is high in young fully opened top leaves than the grown-up middle and bottom leaves. Within the young leaf, top area of upper side of the leaf housed relatively increased number of T. urticae than bottom area of upper side of the leaf. Because young fully opened leaves consistently contained major proportion of mites (48.33%), particularly the top leaf area (79.62%), these leaves and leaf areas can be used as sampling unit for population estimation to minimise the time spent on sampling. However, it warrants future research for predictive models to associate a number of mites of top leaf to other leaves and top area to other areas. Further, releasing predators in young fully opened leaves may increase predator efficiency if supplementary studies on predator–prey relationship on spatial scale are triggered.     

Effects of pesticides on spin down and webbing production by the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Spin down in response to pesticides is a known phenomenon. This study aimed at investigating the effects of varying acaricide concentrations and acaricidal combinations on the rate of spin down and thread length, the fate of mites after spinning down and, thus, the implications of spin down in the context of mite control and the relationship between webbing and the efficacy of ovicides. In response to cyhexatin at a concentration of up to 100 mg dm-3 the rate of spin down did not change, but in response to higher concentrations it occurred earlier and ceased before the end of the experiment. The mean thread length did not vary with the concentration of acaricide and, whilst the proportion of mites spinning down increased with a cyhexatin concentration of up to 10 mg dm-3, it did not increase further with higher concentrations thereafter. It is therefore postulated that at any given time only a certain proportion of mites have a propensity to spin down. In combination with cyhexatin, only amitraz (at low concentrations) increased the proportion of mites spinning down, but amitraz (at higher concentrations), flubenzimine and permethrin all inhibited spin down, which may be a useful attribute in pesticide formulations. With regard to the fate of mites after spinning down, they were able to climb back up threads, but the proportion doing so was too small to be of practical importance. Mites which spin down and remain at the end of a thread die, but those which reached another leaf were able to spin down again and were more likely to do so if the leaf bore a cyhexatin residue. Mites reaching another leaf are also able to lay eggs, the number being greater if the leaf which they reach is untreated. Spin down is therefore likely to be of significant advantage to Tetranychus urticae in avoidance of the effects of acaricides. Finally, some eggs were observed to be laid on webbing and not to come into direct contact with clofentezine residues. The use of a fine water spray to simulate dew increased the ovitoxicity of clofentezine, probably by resuspension of the pesticide, but not of amitraz, which inhibits webbing production. The avoidance of acaricides should be added to the several known advantages of webbing production for spider mites. It is concluded that, all other factors being equal, pesticide formulations which inhibit spin down and webbing production are likely to be more effective in control programmes than those which stimulate such behaviour.     

Characterization of vitellin protein in the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

In mites, vitellogenin synthesis, regulation and uptake by the oocytes as vitellin remain practically unknown. Although a partial sequence of the gene is now available, no previous studies have been conducted that describe the native vitellin protein in mites. The objective of this study was to characterize vitellin in the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. The native twospotted spider mite vitellin migrated as a single major band with a molecular weight of 476 ± 14.5 kDa as compared to 590 ± 25.5 kDa for vitellin from the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis. However, isoelectric focusing analysis of native spider mite vitellin showed five bands with pI values slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.8, 6.2, 6.7, 7.0 and 7.2), as is the case for insect and tick vitellins. Reducing conditions (SDS-PAGE) also revealed multiple subunits ranging from 290.9 to 3.6 kDa and was similar to that found in D. variabilis. Spider mite vitellin weakly bound lipids and carbohydrates compared to the tick. Unlike D. variabilis, the spider mite egg yolk protein does not bind heme. The significance of non-heme binding in mites is discussed.     

Sublethal effects of Thymus vulgaris essential oil on life-table parameters of two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Sublethal effects of Thymus vulgaris were investigated on life-table parameters of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the laboratory conditions at 25?±?1?°C, 70?±?10% RH and a 14:10?h (L:D) photoperiod. Bioassay was conducted to assess the effect of different concentrations of T. vulgaris essential oil on two-spotted spider mite. LC₅₀ and LC₂₀ of T. vulgaris on T. urticae were calculated as 18.86 and 6.24?μl/litre air for 24?h after treatment. In the sublethal effects, after 24?h exposure to LC₅₀ concentration, mortality, fecundity and longevity of the females that survived from treatment were determined. Results showed that T. vulgaris caused significant reductions in fecundity and longevity of adults. Life-table assay indicated that the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m), net reproductive rate (R ₀), finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T), significantly reduced in treated females compared to control. These results suggest that T. vulgaris could be incorporated in integrated pest management programmes of T. urticae.     

Acute and sublethal effects of neonicotinoids and pymetrozine on an important egg parasitoid,Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Both neonicotinoids and pymetrozine are important insecticides and may have the potential to be used in combination with natural enemies in integrated pest management (IPM). However, to determine their compatibility with biological control, it is necessary to examine the side effects of these chemicals on natural enemies. We examined the acute and sublethal effects of four commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, nitenpyram and thiamethoxam, and the pyridine azomethine, pymetrozine, on adults of Trichogramma ostriniae. By analysing acute toxicity and evaluating the safety quotient of these chemicals, we found that thiamethoxam and dinotefuran pose extremely high risks to T. ostriniae, imidacloprid and nitenpyram posed high risks, but pymetrozine was found to have a low risk. In terms of sublethal effects, longevities of female wasps were significantly shortened when they were exposed to residues of dinotefuran. Percentages of ovipositing females decreased significantly after exposure to pymetrozine, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran. Numbers of offspring per female were significantly lower when females were exposed to pymetrozine, dinotefuran or thiamethoxam, compared with control females. Percentages of offspring that emerged as adults were lower when parental females were exposed to either pymetrozine or imidacloprid. Based on the results of the sublethal concentration assay and the acute toxicity bioassay, nitenpyram would be safe for IPM programmes utilising T. ostriniae, and we suggest that T. ostriniae could be released safely after foliar applications of nitenpyram. However, foliar application of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran or pymetrozine in an agro-ecosystem where T. ostriniae is a predominant biocontrol agent should be carefully evaluated.     

Influence of transgenic cottons with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ac</Emphasis> gene on the natural enemies of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicoverpa armigera</Emphasis>

Transgenic cotton has been released for cultivation in several parts of the world to increase crop productivity. However, concerns have been raised regarding the possible undesirable effects of genetically modified crops on non-target organisms in the eco-system. Therefore, we studied the effects of transgenic cottons with cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) on the natural enemies of cotton bollworm/legume pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under field and laboratory conditions. There was no apparent effect of transgenic cotton on the relative abundance of predatory spiders (Clubiona sp. and Neoscona sp.), coccinellid (Cheilomenes sexmaculatus Fab.), and the chrysopid (Chrysoperla carnea Stephens). However, the abundance of spiders, coccinellids, and chrysopids was quite low in insecticide protected plots towards end of the cropping season. There was a significant reduction in cocoon formation and adult emergence of the ichneumonid parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae Uchnida reared on H. armigera larvae fed on the leaves of transgenic cottons before and after parasitization. However, no Bt toxins were detected in H. armigera larvae and the parasitoid cocoons with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Reduction in cocoon formation was because of early mortality of the H. armigera larvae due to Bt toxins in the leaves of transgenic cotton. There was a slight reduction in adult weight and fecundity, and prolongation of the larval period when the parasitoid was raised on H. armigera larvae fed on the leaves of transgenic cotton before and after parasitization. Survival and development of C. chlorideae was also poor when H. armigera larvae were fed on the leaves of cotton hybrid Mech 184. The adverse effects of transgenic cotton on survival and development of C. chlorideae were largely due to early mortality, and possibly poor nutritional quality of H. armigera larvae due to toxic effects of the transgene.     

The influence of sublethal deposits of agricultural mineral oil on the functional and numerical responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytoseiulus persimilis</Emphasis> (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to its prey, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetranychus urticae</Emphasis> (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Occasional pesticide application in integrated pest management to at least part of a crop requires that any biological control agents must re-invade previously sprayed areas in order that resurgent pests can be constrained. The ability of the phytoseiid predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to feed on adult two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae on excised leaf discs in both control conditions and in a treatment with a sub lethal residue of agricultural mineral oil (AMO) was assessed. The predator exhibited a Type II functional response with the asymptote significantly higher in the AMO conditions due to the fact that the prey grew slower and reached a smaller size in this treatment. In terms of prey volume eaten, the satiation level of the predator was unchanged by the AMO deposits. The numbers of eggs produced by adult P. persimilis females at densities of 4, 8 and 16 TSSM adult females/disc in the control were significantly higher than those in the AMO treatment, but were similar for the higher density levels, 32 and 64 prey per disc. Thus the functional response in terms of volume of prey eaten explained the numerical response in terms of predator eggs produced. The presence of AMO deposits when the prey were at high density had no effect on predator efficiency (volume eaten) but resulted in a lower intake than that in control conditions when there was a greater distance between prey.