Domatia morphology and mite occupancy of Psychotria horizontalis (Rubiaceae) across the Isthmus of Panama

Leaf domatia are small plant structures in vein axials on the undersides of leaves that are often inhabited by mites of several species. The mites are presumed to benefit the plant because they are predatory or fungivorous. The domatia are thought to provide the mites shelter from predators and changes in relative humidity, and in exchange, the mites protect the plant from small herbivores and fungal spores. Differences in relative humidity can affect food availability, changing the interaction between plants and mites. We examined domatium morphology of the shrub Psychotria horizontalis (Rubiaceae) and its associated mite diversity at three sites along the rainfall gradient of the Isthmus of Panama, during the dry and wet seasons. The dry forest had a domatium morphology consistent with providing greater desiccation protection, with trichomes and a smaller domatium opening relative to domatium size (size/opening ratio). Additionally, this size/opening ratio was significantly higher in the dry season than in the wet season at all three sites. Mite diversity was highest at the intermediate rainfall site with a large degree of overlap with the other sites, whereas the dry site and wet site shared few mite species. More fungivorous mites were present in the moist forests and more facultative feeders on fungal spores and small mites in the dry forest. The average mite size at each site matched the average domatium size at each site. The dry forest had small mites in small domatia, whereas the moist forests had larger mites in larger domatia. While these data are primarily observational, the site and seasonal differences in domatium morphology and mite diversity are consistent with two main hypotheses: (1) that protection from changes in humidity would be particularly important when humidity was low, such as in the dry forest and during the dry season (2) more fungivorous mites would be found in domatia of the moist forests. The data presented here further highlight the close adaptive relationship between leaf domatia on plants and the mites that inhabit them.     

The effect of sub-floor heating on house-dust-mite populations on floors and in furniture

It is well known that dehydrating conditions for house dust mites can be created by simply raising the temperature, causing loss of body water and eventually death. Thus, it can be expected that conditions for dust mites are less favourable on floors supplied with sub-floor heating. This was examined in a study of 16 houses with sub-floor heating and 21 without. The pattern of changes in air humidity and temperature on the floors was investigated and compared to known data of the tolerance of dust mites. Also the resident mite populations were compared. Floors with sub-floor heating had, on average, fewer mites, but the difference with unheated floors was small. It was remarkable that mite numbers were also lower in upholstered furniture. Another important observation was that some houses with sub-floor heating had high mite numbers, indicating that this type of heating is compatible with a thriving mite population. Temperature and humidity conditions of heated floors may allow mites not only to survive, but also to remain active in winter. A moderate increase in temperature, a moderate decrease inf (absolute) air humidity, or a combination of both, will suffice to keep the humidity all winter below the Critical Equilibrium Humidity, the level of air humidity that is critical for mite growth and reproduction, hence for allergen production. However, it is argued that measures to suppress allergen production by house dust mites are likely to be far more effective if taken in summer rather than in winter. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Aufnahme von Wasserdampf aus ungesättigter Atmosphäre und ihre ökologische Bedeutung bei mesostigmaten Milben

A number of mesostigmatic mites of diverse biologies and habitats absorb water vapour from unsaturated atmospheres. This includes haematophagous, predatory, saprophagous and polyphagous species. The lowest humidity at which vapour uptake is possible ranges from 76 to 97% r.h. depending on the species. The transpiration rates differ by a factor of 50 among different species. By means of sorption and transpiration the water content of the mites follows variations in the ambient humidity rather immediately. Uptake of atmospheric water compensates water losses of the mites. The critical equilibrium humidity of the mites marks the relative humidity of the ambient air at which sorption and transpiration counterbalance each other and at which the mites are capable of maintaining body water equilibrium. An oral site of vapour sorption is indicated. Sorption and transpiration are physiological parameters of ecological relevance related to increase of populations, survival and habitat preferences of these mites significant as parasites and biological control agents.     

Effect of Air Humidity on the Egg Viability of Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae) Common on Rubber Trees in Brazil

Rubber pest mites, Calacarus heveae and Tenuipalpus heveae, reach economic damage levels at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season in Brazil. Therefore, low humidity adaptation might be an important characteristic for predatory mites to successfully control pest organisms. This study determined the effect of the relative humidity (RH) levels of 30–100% on the hatching of larvae of Amblyseius acalyphus, Euseius citrifolius, Iphiseiodes zuluagai, Metaseiulus camelliae, Agistemus floridanus and Zetzellia malvinae at 25 ± 0.5 °C. These predatory mites are common on rubber trees in the state of São Paulo and might be used for introduction in the major rubber tree production regions in the state of Mato Grosso. At 70% RH or higher, viability was 70% or higher for all species, indicating that their performance might be higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. Eggs of E. citrifolius and M. camelliae presented higher viability at the lower relative humidity levels than those of other species, indicating that these species might have higher chance to persist in the dry season. It is suggested that M. camelliae should be further evaluated for introduction in the state of Mato Grosso, considering that this mite is not yet present in that area.     

Driving factors of the communities of phytophagous and predatory mites in a physic nut plantation and spontaneous plants associated

Seasonal changes in climate and plant diversity are known to affect the population dynamics of both pests and natural enemies within agroecosystems. In Brazil, spontaneous plants are usually tolerated in small-scale physic nut plantations over the year, which in turn may mediate interactions between pests and natural enemies within this agroecosystem. Here, we aimed to access the influence of seasonal variation of abiotic (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) and biotic (diversity of spontaneous plants, overall richness and density of mites) factors on the communities of phytophagous and predatory mites found in a physic nut plantation and its associated spontaneous plants. Mite sampling was monthly conducted in dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous leaves of spontaneous plants as well as in physic nut shrubs over an entire year. In the dry season there was a higher abundance of phytophagous mites (Tenuipalpidae, Tarsonemidae and Tetranychidae) on spontaneous plants than on physic nut shrubs, while predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) showed the opposite pattern. The overall density of mites on spontaneous plants increased with relative humidity and diversity of spontaneous plants. Rainfall was the variable that most influenced the density of mites inhabiting physic nut shrubs. Agroecosystems comprising spontaneous plants associated with crops harbour a rich mite community including species of different trophic levels which potentially benefit natural pest control due to increased diversity and abundance of natural enemies.     

A comparison of the water balance characteristics of Typhlodromus occidentalis and Amblyseius finlandicus mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and evidence for the site of water vapour uptake

To determine how adult Typhlodromus occidentalis, a mite used in the biological control of spider mites, thrive in arid western North America, the water balance characteristics of adult females were compared to those of a laboratory colony of Amblyseius finlandicus originating from Finnish apple orchards. The mites contained comparable amounts of water (73.6 and 74.9%, respectively, for T. occidentalis and A. finlandicus), absorbed water from the air between 86% and 92% relative humidity (RH) (critical equilibrium humidity) and drank free water from droplets. Typhlodromus occidentalis were distinguished, however, by having lower net water loss rates (0.8% versus 1.3% h–1 at 0% RH, 20°C for A. finlandicus), a feature that enables them to retain water more effectively. Above the critical equilibrium humidity water was lost by adult female T. occidentalis whose mouth parts had been blocked with wax, implying an oral uptake mechanism for the absorption of water vapour. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Dampness,mites and respiratory allergy

Summary This paper reviews the relationships between humidity, house-dust mites and respiratory allergy. In vitro relationship between relative humidity and house-dust mite growth are quite clear cut. In real conditions also, there is a significant association between relative humidity and the presence of live mites. The relevance of house-dust mites for respiratory allergy lies on clinical, physiopathological and mostly on epidemiological data. The latter demonstrate a correlation between exposure to mites and risk of sensitization and development of overt allergic diseases. Lastly, humidity of dwellings is linked to respiratory allergy. These results should lead to building safer dwellings for allergic subjects, or modifying existing dwellings. In this respect, emphasis should be put on a proper ventilation rate and also a proper behaviour of inhabitants in order to minimize humidity production.     

High Altitude and House-dust Mites

House dust from high mountainous areas of Switzerland contains very few house-dust mites. In contrast to lower-lying regions, only very small quantities of house-dust allergen are found at high altitudes.The cause of this phenomenon seems likely to be the climatic conditions in the high mountains of Europe, where cold air leads to extremely low humidity levels indoors. The soil conditions and a type of construction providing good protection against the penetration of water also contribute to dry conditions in houses. These factors prevent the development of large populations of allergen-producing house-dust mites.The beneficial effect of a stay at high altitudes on patients with atopic asthma is probably due to the low concentrations of house-dust allergen.     

西双版纳望天树林林窗小气候特征研究

 对西双版纳望天树林林窗小气候要素的季节变化、水平差异进行了观测研究,并对比分析了两个大小不同林窗内温度垂直分布状况、相对湿度差别。结果表明：大林窗内温度、湿度、光照的日变化均比林内大;大林窗中央光照强度为林内的10倍以上,太阳总辐射量、净辐射量为林内的5倍以上,大林窗中央的蒸发耗热量大于林内,且均占各自净辐射的较大比例(70％～80％),干季大林窗内温度、湿度日变化比雨季剧烈,大林窗内具有两个加热层(幼苗冠层、地表),小林窗仅有一个加热层(幼树冠层),且前者的加热强度大于后者,相对湿度日变化则是大林窗内较剧烈。     

Collective Migration in House Dust Mites

House dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) are widespread in the furniture and mattresses of homes throughout Eurasia. Because human occupation induces wide diurnal fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity, the most favourable locations for mites change constantly and they must migrate repeatedly. Here, we triggered and studied mites migration movements to a new area. Mites migrated from a starting arena to a second arena through a diamond‐shaped corridor offering a choice between two branches of equal length. In this article, we show that local air dryness and a distant water source were both necessary to trigger collective migration. Males and nymphs had a higher probability of migration than larvae and females. When migrating, although both branches initially appeared to be chosen equally, most mites eventually ended up choosing one particular branch. When about 50 or more mites had passed, there was an obvious choice of branch. We used a modelling approach to show that these data support the hypothesis that mites lay an attractive trail that is reinforced by followers. Consequently, the consistency of the collective choice is higher as the number of migrants grows. This article is the first to observe dust mite migration as a collective phenomenon.     

Photosynthesis at ambient and elevated humidity over a growing season in soybean

Daytime rates of net photosynthesis of upper canopy leaflets of soybeans were compared on 17 days for leaflets exposed to air at the ambient humidity and at a higher humidity. Leaflets at the higher humidity had higher rates of net photosynthesis on 16 of the 17 days. The daily total of net photosynthesis of leaflets at the higher humidity was on average 1.32 times that for leaflets at ambient humidity. A strong limitation of net photosynthesis by ambient humidity was found throughout the growing season.     

Prevalence of endoparasitic mites on four West African leaf‐litter frogs depends on habitat humidity

Amphibian species are known to carry endoparasitic mites. The infestation probability, prevalence, and intensity of mites vary among species and habitats. Mites of the genus Endotrombicula are known to infest African and Malagasy frogs. However, the factors leading to an increase in the probability of mite infestation are unknown. To test for inter‐ and intraspecific differences in infestation probability and its potential correlation with sex, age, habitat preferences, and/or season within a species‐rich West African leaf‐litter frog assemblage, we examined more than 6,800 individual frogs for the presence of mites throughout two independent time increments, 1999–2000 and 2016–2017. We found only members of the leaf‐litter frog genus Phyrnobatrachus to be infested, while other syntopically occurring genera were not affected. Within Phrynobatrachus, only four out of eight species were infested. Mites prevalence differed between species (highest P. phyllophilus, followed by P. alleni), sex (males higher than females in P. alleni and P. phyllophilus), and age (adults higher than juveniles in P. alleni), as well as season (more mites during wet than dry season in P. phyllophilus). The prevalence of mite infestation did not influence mate choice in P. alleni. Increased humidity showed a clear positive effect on infestation prevalence. We also detected a marked decrease in the prevalence of mites from 1999–2000 to 2016–2017, a period during which climatological changes within the study area have been reported with a tendency toward drier conditions. The decrease in mite infestation prevalence over time might be a signal of increasingly drier conditions.     

松嫩草原碱化草地角碱蓬群落水分生态的研究

 本文采用自行设汁的蒸散仪和加拿大Campbe 11科学仪器公司生产的自动气象设备测定了松嫩草原碱化草地角碱蓬群落的蒸散、蒸腾量、太阳辐射及空气温度等环境因子。分析结果表明生长季的睛天条件下,角碱蓬群落的蒸散、蒸腾速率的日进程均为单峰曲线,且各月份间差异很大。群落蒸腾速率与太阳辐射强度、空气温度、相对湿度、风速等环境因子紧密相关,其中与太阳辐射强度呈极显著正相关关系。生长季降雨量和土壤含水量在角碱蓬群落水分循环与平衡的过程中起重要调节作用。1992年6～8月的生长季中,角碱蓬群落总的水分亏缺较少(6.3mm),但各月份间差异很大,其中6月份水分亏缺最高(30.1mm)。     

中国植绥螨资源及其生物学研究进展

植绥螨是许多害螨和小型有害昆虫的重要捕食性天敌 ,在农业生产中极具利用价值。我国植绥螨资源相当丰富 ,大量的资源调查工作是在 2 0世纪 70年代末开始的。到目前为止 ,我国已经从不同地区作物上鉴定出植绥螨 2 60余种 ,其中有利用价值的约 2 0种左右。在 2 5～ 3 0℃的适宜温度下 ,植绥螨从卵到羽化为成螨约需 6～ 7d ,而寿命能长达 3 0～ 5 0d。它们对大多数的害螨的功能反应基本成HollingⅡ型。多数成螨为喜湿类型 ,较高的湿度对于孵化和存活尤为重要。在夏季高温和冬季低温来临时进行越夏和越冬 ,以度过不良的环境。植绥螨行两性生殖 ,不交配或交配时间不够 ,不产卵或少产 ,有些种类需要多次交配才能完全产卵。     

基于树干液流和土壤-叶片水势梯度分析荷木干湿季整树水分利用特征

运用Granier热消散探针连续监测荷木的树干液流,于2009年的湿季(8月)和干季(11月)选择天气晴朗的3d测定叶片水势,同步连续监测林冠上方光合有效辐射、土壤含水量、气温和空气相对湿度.结果表明:干湿季下荷木树干液流存在显著差异,此外,土壤水势和液流有较好的相关性,且干季时的相关性更好;荷木的叶面积/边材面积比值平均为(0.416±0.033)m2·cm-2,并与树高呈指数函数下降关系;随着11月土壤水势下降,荷木的整树水力导度和午间叶片水势也有所下降,但不明显;对叶片水势和整树蒸腾进行回归分析,二者之间呈二次多项式关系(P＜0.01),叶片水势并非无限制下降;结果还表明,大气水汽压亏缺(D)和叶片水势呈负相关,这是否空气温度和相对湿度或共同作用影响叶片水势,需要进一步研究.     

European starlings: nestling condition, parasites and green nest material during the breeding season

Male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) intermingle fresh herbs, preferably species rich in volatile compounds, into their dry nest material. In a field study, we investigated whether these herbs affect the mite and bacteria load of the nests and the condition of the nestlings either directly or via parasite control. We examined the amount of herbs and the number of plant species males carried into their nests, the variation of volatile compounds in the headspace air of the nest boxes and mite/bacteria load of the nests throughout the season. The amount of herb material and the number of plant species, the number of substances emanated by these plants and the infestation of the nests with bacteria and mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) increased with season. In a field experiment, we exchanged natural starling nests with experimental nests with or without herbs. We found that the herbs had no effect on the mites but fewer bacteria were sampled in nests with herbs than in nests without herbs. The body mass of the fledging was not related to the season or the mite/bacteria load of the nests. However, nestlings from nests with herbs fledged with higher body mass than nestlings from nests without herbs. Both bacteria and mite load were related to nestling mortality. In nests containing no herbs, the numbers of fledglings declined significantly with the increasing mite load while the mites had no effect on the number of fledglings in nests with herbs. Thus, the nest herbs counteracted the effect of the mites. In conclusion, it seems that volatile herbs can reduce bacterial but not mite infestation of the starling nests. The positive influence of herbs on nestling growth indicates that herbs either directly (perhaps as immunostimulants) improve the condition of the nestlings and help them cope with the harmful effects of mites, or they provide a nest environment beneficial for the nestlings‘ development by the reduction of germs.     

刺槐林水分生态研究

 本文以定位观测资料为基础,对晋西北黄土丘陵沟壑区人工刺槐林的水分生态特点进行了研究。结果表明,在年生长期中,刺槐林地水分条件严酷、土壤有效水分少。生长期刺槐的蒸腾强度为0.1140g·g-1·h-1±0.0586(平均值±标准差);蒸腾强度日变化与光照强度日变化的关系最为明显;与气温日变化的关系次之;但与相对湿度日变化的关系则不明显。生长期刺槐的水势为1.759-Mpa±0.457(平均值±标准差)。水势的日变化与气温日变化的关系最为明显,与相对湿度日变化的关系次之;而与光照强度日变化的关系最不明显。刺槐的蒸腾强度季节变化与土壤水分含量季节变化的关系不够显著;水势的季节变化与土壤水分含量季节变化的关系显著;但它们的季节变化与光照强度、气温和相对湿度季节变化的关系均不够显著。刺槐的蒸腾耗水量,林分总蒸散量分别占同期降水量的16.3%和68.0%,     

Population dynamics of Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae) and other mites associated with coconut fruits in Una, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil

Aceria guerreronis Keifer is a major coconut pest in the Americas, Africa and some Asian countries, and occurs in high population levels in northeastern Brazil. The determination of the climatic conditions that favorably affect its population growth and the prevalence and abundance of predatory mites can promote more efficient control practices. Our objective was to evaluate the pattern of occurrence and population dynamics of A. guerreronis, their associated predators and other mites during a 2?year period in a hybrid coconut plantation in the municipality of Una, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Monthly samples of fruits were taken from June 2008 to May 2010 for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of mites. Aceria guerreronis represented 99.9?% of the mites. An average density of 1,117 mites per fruit and a maximum of 23,596 mites per fruit indicated that the level of infestation can be high in Bahia. Bdella ueckermanni Hernandes, Daud and Feres was the most abundant and frequent predator. Population increase of A. guerreronis was directly related to the temperature rise and inversely related to both the increase of air relative humidity and rainfall. The highest population densities occurred from November to March. The largest A. guerreronis populations occurred in fruits with 32 and 48?% of damaged surface. The relationship between prevailing wind direction and incidence of A. guerreronis could not be corroborated or refuted.     

A technique to measure the ability of the human nose to warm and humidify air.

To assess the ability of the nose to warm and humidify inhaled air, we developed a nasopharyngeal probe and measured the temperature and humidity of air exiting the nasal cavity. We delivered cold, dry air (19-1 degrees C, <10% relative humidity) or hot, humid air (37 degrees C, >90% relative humidity) to the nose via a nasal mask at flow rates of 5, 10, and 20 l/min. We used a water gradient across the nose (water content in nasopharynx minus water content of delivered air) to assess nasal function. We studied the characteristics of nasal air conditioning in 22 asymptomatic, seasonally allergic subjects (out of their allergy season) and 11 nonallergic normal subjects. Inhalation of hot, humid air at increasingly higher flow rates had little effect on both the relative humidity and the temperature of air in the nasopharynx. In both groups, increasing the flow of cold, dry air lowered both the temperature and the water content of the inspired air measured in the nasopharynx, although the relative humidity remained at 100%. Water gradient values obtained during cold dry air challenges on separate days showed reproducibility in both allergic and nonallergic subjects. After exposure to cold, dry air, the water gradient was significantly lower in allergic than in nonallergic subjects (1,430 +/- 45 vs. 1,718 +/- 141 mg; P = 0.02), suggesting an impairment in their ability to warm and humidify inhaled air.     

Predator-mediated apparent competition between two herbivores that feed on grapevines

We have been releasing economically unimportant herbivorous mites of one species early in the season and protecting grapevines against another, more damaging herbivorous mite throughout the growing season. In this experiment, releases of economically unimportant Willamette mites alone, or of predatory mites alone, failed to reduce populations of the damaging Pacific spider mite. However, where both herbivorous Willamette mites and predatory mites were released together populations of Pacific mites were reduced. This interaction between effects of Willamette mites and predatory mites suggests that predation against Pacific mites was more effective where alternate prey (Willamette mites) were available for the predators. The apparent competition between Willamette mites and Pacific mites, mediated through their shared predator, can be an important force in the agroecosystem although its importance varies from year to year and vineyard to vineyard.