Developmental times and oviposition rates of predatory mitesTyphlodromus pyri andAmblyseius andersoni (Acari: Phytoseiidae) reared on different foods

The developmental times and the reproduction of two resistant Italian strains ofTyphlodromus pyri Scheuten andAmblyseius andersoni (Chant) were studied in the laboratory by rearing them on the spider mitesPanonychus ulmi (Koch) andEotetranychus carpini (Oud.), on the eriophyidColomerus vitis (Pgst.) and on pollen ofMesembryanthemum criniflorum. The response ofT. pyri andA. andersoni females to a spider mite supply (P. ulmi orE. carpini) of 4, 8 and 16 adult female prey per female predator per day was also studied.Development ofT. pyri onE. carpini andC. vitis required a shorter period than onM. criniflorum pollen, while intermediate values were recorded forP. ulmi. When the highest number of prey was offered, the influence of different foods on oviposition rates ofT. pyri was not significant. An increase in spider mite supply favoured a shorter pre-oviposition period and higher oviposition rates.Development ofA. andersoni was faster on pollen than on spider mites, while intermediate values were found concerningC. vitis. Differences statistically significant were recorded for development onP. ulmi andC. vitis. Colomerus vitis proved to be the more suitable food in terms of oviposition. The oviposition rate decreased when feeding uponP. ulmi, but reached intermediate values onE. carpini andM. criniflorum. Increasing spider mite densities caused shorter pre-oviposition times and higher oviposition rates. Using a given number ofE. carpini females, rather than those ofP. ulmi, resulted in higher oviposition rates and shorter pre-oviposition times.For both predators, the results suggest a higher intrinsic rate of population increase onE. carpini orC. vitis than onP. ulmi.The research was supported by a grant from Regione Veneto (Lotta biologica ed integrata nel controllo di insetti ed acari dannosi).The general lines of the research have been planned by C. Duso. The authors contributed equally to the experimental work.     

Mite populations on grapevines in south-eastern Australia: Implications for biological control of grapevine mites (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae,Eriophyidae)

Pest and predatory mite populations were monitored over a 2 year period on grapevines in three viticultural regions of southern Australia (The Riverlands, Sunraysia and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area [MIA]). The mite pestsBrevipalpus spp..Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) andCalepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa) occurred in each region with a predatory mite fauna which showed considerable interregional variation in incidence, abundance and composition. Nine species of Phytoseiidae, the dominant predatory mite family, were recorded inhabiting grapevines. In the Riverlands, mite populations were apparently suppressed by two phytoseiids (Typhlodromus doreenae Schicha,Amblyseius victoriensis (Womersley)) in vineyards on which no insecticide was used and on which sulphur and copper were used to control vine diseases. In Sunraysia and MIA, vineyards which generally had greater inputs of synthetic pesticides, particularly fungicides, five to eight phytoseiid species were recorded. However, they were less abundant and appeared to have less impact on mite (particularlyBrevipalpus spp.) populations. The population dynamics of pest and predatory mites on grapevines in southern Australia and implications for mite management based on biological control are discussed with respect to pesticide (particularly fungicide) inputs and phytoseiid biology/ecology.     

Eriophyoid mite damage in Vitis vinifera (grapevine) in Australia: Calepitrimerus vitis and Colomerus vitis (Acari: Eriophyidae) as the common cause of the widespread ‘Restricted Spring Growth’ syndrome

Leaf and shoot distortions and retarded shoot growth in Vitis vinifera L. prevalent in Australian vineyards in early spring, were investigated in replicated field experiments over 3 yrs. Leaf distortion and retarded shoot growth were identified as damage due to feeding of extremely high populations of over-wintered deutogynes of Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa) (grape rust mite). This damage was hitherto known in Australia as Restricted Spring Growth (RSG), a syndrome comprising several growth abnormality symptoms, none with a clearly identified cause or a successful treatment. A successful treatment against C. vitis was used to selectively eliminate RSG, while C. vitis numbers were recorded using a validated trapping technique; intercepting deutogynes migrating from winter shelters in the wooden vine structure, to emerging green tissues. Severe leaf distortion was associated with >400 C. vitis deutogynes per spur, while >1000 per spur had the added effect of severely retarding shoot growth. A 43.0–47.2% shoot length reduction was recorded for Cabernet Sauvignon, 27.1–32.8% for Sauvignon Blanc, when 4–6 leaves were separated. Symptoms were most prominent up to 8–9 separated leaves, however 24.7–30.4% shoot length reduction was still evident at flowering, and 12.8% circa fruit set. C. vitis effect on vine fruitfulness, and yield parameters at fruit set, were also studied. Once successfully treated to prevent C. vitis damage, poor bud burst remained evident in some vineyards. Surveys of unburst buds from such vineyards revealed presence of Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) (grape bud mite). When Col. vitis numbers in unburst buds reached 100–500 per bud, apical meristems of primary, and commonly also secondary buds were dead, preventing bud burst. The remaining living scale tissue was distinctly scarred. Bud and associated shoot damage were documented. Retarded shoot growth and leaf distortion, previously attributed to RSG, are misdiagnosed C. vitis spring feeding damage. Clustered high infestations of Col. vitis can cause bud-axis necrosis, bud burst failure, shoots with short basal internodes, and short, thin, zigzagged shoots with absent fruit clusters; all previously considered RSG.This revised version was published online in May 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Species status and population genetic structure of grapevine eriophyoid mites

Bud mite, blister mite (Colomerus vitis Pagenstecher), and rust mite (Calepitrimerus vitis Nalepa) (Acari: Eriophyoidae) are recognized grapevine pests. Much of the biology and ecology of these pests is poorly understood. We used two types of molecular markers to gain further insight into the breeding biology and population structure of these mites, using individuals collected from sites around south‐eastern Australia. Patterns of genetic variation observed using PCR‐RFLP of ITS 1 (Internal Transcribed Spacer 1) confirmed the separate species status of the rust mite, and resolved the species status of bud and blister mites, revealing two closely related but distinct species. Microsatellite markers revealed extensive genetic differentiation between bud mite populations and blister mite populations even at micro‐geographical levels, suggesting low movement in these species. The findings indicate that separate control strategies are needed against bud and blister mites, and that localized control strategies are likely to be effective given their limited dispersal.     

Occurrence and distribution of the grape rust mite Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa, 1905) in Korea

The grape rust mite, Calepitrimerus vitis, was identified from grapevines firstly in Korea. In the spring of 2011, symptoms characterized by the retarded growth of young shoots and flower buds in the grapevine were reported by local farmers in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi province of Korea. A large number of the small, white, and longitudinal mites were observed both on the twig surfaces and the overwintering buds. The mite was identified as Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa) (Acari: Eriophyidae) by morphological observations under both a microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Nationwide surveys in 2011–2012 were conducted to figure out the distribution of the mite, revealing that the mite was widely distributed in the grape production area in Korea both in greenhouse and in open field vineyards. Interestingly, the mite density was much higher in Hwaseong, a middle-west coast of Korea, with several hundred mites per overwintering bud. However, no significant damage was observed from the sprouting season to the harvest time, except for the retarded growth of shoot and flower buds in the early season. The morphological characteristics of C. vitis with SEM micrographs and the survey results in major grape production areas in Korea are reported herein.     

The effect of pyrethroid lambdacyhalothrin applications on the spatial distribution of phytophagous and predatory mites in apple orchards

The spatial distribution of three phytophagous mites,Panonychus ulmi (Koch),Tetranychus urticae Koch andAculus schlechtendali (Nalepa), and two predacious mites,Zetzellia mali (Ewing) andAmblyseius fallacis (Garman), and the effect of pyrethroid lambdacyhalothrin applications on mite spatial dispersion were investigated over a 3-year period in an apple orchard in Ontario. The index of dispersion and the slope of Taylor's power law were used to evaluate dispersion patterns of mites. Panonychus ulmi showed that between-tree spatial variation decreased with an increase of population densities, whereas between-leaf variation increased with population densities. With all other four species it appeared that between-tree variation is much greater than between-leaf variation at all field population density levels. The values ofb by Taylor's power law suggested that all five species of mites are aggregated, but that in generalP. ulmi andT. urticae (b=1.427–1.872) are more aggregated than their predators (b=1.254–1.393). Taylor's regression technique suggests that pyrethroid applications causedP. ulmi, T. urticae, Z. mali andA. fallacis to be less aggregated whileA. schlechtendali was more aggregated. The impact of changes in mite spatial distribution following pyrethroid applications on sampling plans is discussed.     

Life history and life table parameters of the predatory miceTyphlodromus talbii

The predatory miteTyphlodromus talbii Athias-Henriot occurs in European vineyards and is often associated with economically important species. Neither its role in vineyards nor the factors affecting its population dynamics and relationships with other phytoseiid species are well known. The development and the reproduction ofT. talbii were studied in the laboratory by rearing the predator on different kinds of food (Panonychus ulmi, Eotetranychus carpini, Colomerus vitis, Tydeus caudatus, Mesembryanthemum criniflorum pollen). Overwintered females reared on tydeids survived for long periods and laid eggs, but they died after a few days when spider mites or pollen were provided. Development occurred on all mite species but not on pollen. Developmental times on tydeids were shorter than on the other prey. Oviposition was recorded on tydeids and, to a lesser extent, on eriophyids but not on spider mites or pollen. Experiments on tydeids, which resulted as being the best food, were conducted at two temperatures (20° and 27°C). The highest temperature affected the duration of development and oviposition rates positively, but total fecundity was similar. Predators reared at 27°C consumed more prey than those reared at 20°C. The life table parameters of the species were evaluated onT. caudatus (at 20° and 27°C) and onC. vitis. The highest r_m ofT. talbii was found for individuals reared onT. caudatus at 27°C (0.165). Lower values were obtained on the same prey at 20°C (0.089) or onC. vitis (0.030). The feeding habits ofT. talbii may explain why the species coexists with the generalistAmblyseius aberrans orTyphlodromus pyri.     

Predicting early spring emergence and late season overwintering movement of Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa) (Acari: Eriophyidae) in grapevine

The grape rust mite, Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa), is an important grapevine pest worldwide. During the period of early spring emergence and movement to the overwintering refuge in the late season, growers need to control C. vitis properly. We developed forecasting models of early spring emergence and late summer overwintering movement of C. vitis in vineyards for control time. Their activation in the early spring was estimated by changes in density between upper bud and the whole bud. The density of C. vitis on buds was estimated using a washing out method. The proportion of C. vitis on the upper bud was increased as accumulated degree-day (DD) was increased. This relationship was well described by a linear regression model. Based on the model, 153 DD with a base temperature of 10.51?°C, at which emergence rate of C. vitis deutogynes was 70%, was proposed as the control time for C. vitis. Movement of deutogynes in the late summer was observed. The ratio of C. vitis movement for hibernation was increased as the relative night length was getting longer. This relationship was well described by a two-parameter Weibull function. Proportion of migrant deutogynes was low in August. It increased sharply when relative night length was 0.499 (11.97?h, middle September). Therefore, control should be conducted before autumnal equinox in late summer at the latest.     

Natural diet of fish from Lake Xolotlán (Managua)

Food habits ofMelaniris sardina, Astyanax fasciatus andDorosoma chavesi (n=562) were analyzed in Lake Xolotlán (Managua). Quality and quantity of ingested food were studied by dissecting the alimentary canal and observing its content. Cladocera were the main food forM. Sardina andA. fasciatus. Melaniris sardina could play an important role in maintaining low cladoceran population densities in the lake. Rotifers are the main food forD. chavesi.     

Sequence and characterisation of a ribosomal RNA operon fromAgrobacterium vitis

One of the four ribosomal RNA operons (rrnA) from theAgrobacterium vitis vitopine strain S4 was sequenced.rrnA is most closely related to therrn operons ofBradyrhizobium japonicum andRhodobacter sphaeroides and carries an fMet-tRNA gene downstream of its 5S gene, as in the case ofR. sphaeroides. The 16S rRNA sequence of S4 differs from theA. vitis K309 type strain sequence by only one nucleotide, in spite of the fact that S4 and K309 have very different Ti plasmids. The predicted secondary structure of the S4 23S rRNA shows several features that are specific for the alpha proteobacteria, and an unusual branched structure in the universal B8 stem. The 3 ends of the three otherrrn copies of S4 were also cloned and sequenced. Sequence comparison delimits the 3 ends of the four repeats and defines two groups:rrnA/rrnB andrrnC/rrnD.     

Influence of dispersal from almonds on the population dynamics and acaricide resistance frequencies of spider mites infesting neighboring cotton

Neighboring almond and cotton fields were sampled for spider mites in four locations in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The dominant species in the almonds wasTetranychus pacificus McGregor. In three cotton sites.T. pacificus was present in significantly higher densities near the almonds on at least one sampling date. In contrast.T. urticae Koch andT. turkestani Ugarov & Nikolski were equally abundant across the cotton fields. Almonds appeared to act as a continuous early-season source ofT. pacificus for cotton, with peaks in aerial dispersal from almonds occurring due to overcrowding, plant water stress, and applications of repellent acaricides. Cotton, which experienced little water stress, supported very high densities of spider mites and so acted primarily as a sink for spider-mite dispersal from almonds and other field crops throughout the growth-season. The frequencies of resistance expressed byT. pacificus andT. urticae were similar between neighboring crops, even if the acaricide had been registered for use only in almonds (cyhexatin) or cotton (dicofol). Thus, longterm acaricide selection and movement of spider mites between the two crops resulted in similar proportions of resistant individuals. In these study sites, large-scale dispersal ofT. pacificus from almonds rarely directly affected acaricide efficacy in cotton, because resistance frequencies were similar for spider mites from the two crops and because acaricide applications were usually made in cotton after dispersal from almonds was completed. In two cotton sites, field selection with dicofol was reversed by subsequent immigration of spider mites from neighboring field crops.     

Effects of predator-mediated apparent competition on the population dynamics of Tetranychus urticae on apples

The two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is an important herbivore pest of apple trees in Northwest China. This spider mite and another less damaging spider mite, Eotetranychus pruni Oudemans, are attacked by a common and often effective phytoseiid predator, Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans). Functional relationships were studied in the field to evaluate the impact of E. pruni and E. finlandicus on T. urticae. The results from this study showed that the predator-mediated apparent competition strongly affected the population dynamics of T. urticae. The addition of the apparent competitor E. pruni alone had little impact on T. urticae densities. Although the release of the predator E. finlandicus alone could result in reduction in T. urticae densities, the greatest reduction in T. urticae densities occurred in plots where both the predator E. finlandicus and apparent competitor E. pruni were released. In apple orchards, the early introduction of both the apparent competitor E. pruni and predator E. finlandicus would evidently increase the population size of the predator E. finlandicus and consequently significantly enhance the control of T. urticae populations. It is concluded from the study that the predator and apparent competitor release might be an appropriate control for the target species.     

Different responses of three predatory mite species toTetranychus urticae,Eriophyes dioscoridis andBrevipalpus pulcher: Evidence for the existence of kairomones and allomones

The responses of 3 phytoseiid mite speciesPhytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot,Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga andAmblyseius gossipi Elbadry to allelochemics emitted by prey mite speciesTetranychus urticae Koch,Brevipalpus pulcher (Canestrini & Fanzago) andEriophyes dioscoridis Soliman & Abou-Awad were studied using a test of two-choice assays. The repellent effect elicited by the tenuipalpid mite,B. pulcher and the eriophyid mite,E. dioscoridis againstP. persimilis could be an evidence for the existence of allomones produced by these 2 prey species. The negative response ofP. persimilis to the different stadia ofB. pulcher and the attraction ofP. finitimus toward the same prey suggest that the volatile semiochemicals produced by this prey act as kairomones forP. finitimus and as allomones forP. persimilis. The strong attraction ofP. finitimus andA. gossipi to the different stadia ofT. urticae and the considerable attraction of either predator toB. pulcher compared to the neutral response toE. dioscoridis reveal that both predators show a hierarchy of preference for the kairomones of the 3 prey species studied.      

Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae in controlling the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae on common bean in screenhouse and field experiments

The efficacy of aqueous and emulsifiable formulations of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE78 was evaluated on the population density of Tetranychus urticae infesting common bean plants under screenhouse and field conditions. Synthetic acaricide abamectin was included as a check. Bean plants were artificially infested with T. urticae and allowed to multiply. Three treatments were applied in the screenhouse and 1 treatment in field trials. Mite density was recorded 2 d before spraying and weekly postspraying. The number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and the dry weight of seeds per plant were recorded only in the screenhouse trials. In both screenhouse and field trials, fungal formulations applied at the concentration of 10⁸ conidia/mL and the acaricide reduced the population density of mites as compared to the controls. There were significant differences in T. urticae population densities between the treatments at the various post‐spraying sampling dates. In the screenhouse, the mite densities were near zero from 3‐week postspraying in the treated leaves. At 4‐week postspraying, there were no more leaves in the untreated control (T1) and in the control water + Silwet‐L77 (T2). Fungal formulations were as effective as abamectin in reducing mite densities in both screenhouse and field experiments. There were significant differences in the production parameters during the 2 screenhouse trials, with fungal and abamectin treatments generally having the highest yield. Results of this study underline the potential of the M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE78 as an alternative to acaricides for T. urticae management.     

河西走廊不同产地‘赤霞珠’酿酒葡萄果实品质评价

为了确定河西走廊地区‘赤霞珠’酿酒葡萄核心品质指标,建立‘赤霞珠’酿酒葡萄品质综合评价模型。从张掖、武威、嘉峪关3个酿酒葡萄主产市的代表性果园采集6份‘赤霞珠’葡萄样品进行品质测定,通过主成分分析和聚类分析法确定‘赤霞珠’葡萄核心品质指标,运用层次分析法确定指标权重并建立‘赤霞珠’葡萄品质综合评价模型。结果表明:(1)不同产地‘赤霞珠’酿酒葡萄品质指标存在明显差异性,张掖市国风葡萄酒庄园的‘赤霞珠’葡萄果糖、蔗糖、草酸、柠檬酸含量均高于其他地区,且可溶性固形物、可溶性糖、总酚、苹果酸含量在各产地中也均保持在最高水平。(2)相关性分析发现,葡萄果实葡萄糖含量与可溶性固形物含量、果糖与可溶性糖含量之间呈极显著正相关,固酸比和糖酸比均与可滴定酸含量呈极显著负相关关系。(3)综合主成分分析、聚类分析和相关性分析结果,确定维生素C(Vc)、单宁、果糖和固酸比是‘赤霞珠’葡萄核心品质指标,应用层次分析法建立了‘赤霞珠’葡萄品质综合评价模型为Y=0.0960×Vc含量+0.1611×单宁含量+0.2771×果糖含量+0.4568×固酸比(各指标含量均经过标准化处理)。研究发现,河西走廊地区‘赤霞珠’葡萄果实品质最佳产地是张掖市,果实Vc、单宁、果糖和固酸比是‘赤霞珠’葡萄的核心品质指标,以其建立的评价模型可用于‘赤霞珠’葡萄品质的综合评价。     

A survey of the distribution and density of the primates of Guyana

In January through February 1994, we conducted the first broad-scale survey of Guyanese primates since 1975. Our goals were (1) to follow up questions raised in the earlier survey, (2) to compare population densities, and (3) to locate potential sites for future long-term research. We used distributional survey methods along trails and rivers and interviewed local inhabitants in each region. We surveyed five general areas, two of which had been studied in 1975. The distribution reported in 1975 for five monkey species—Alouatta seniculus, Cebus olivaceus, Pithecia pithecia, Chiropotes satanas,and Saimiri sciureus—was confirmed. However, questions were raised concerning the western extent of the range of three species: Ateles paniscus, Cebus apella,and Saguinus midas.In comparing densities between 1994 and 1975, we found a significant drop in group densities over the past 20 years and a shift in relative proportions of individual primate species over time. For example, although the total number of kilometers surveyed was identical, group densities were three times higher in 1975 than in 1994. Further, group densities of Ateles, Alouatta,and Pitheciawere much lower, while those of Saguinuswere similar in both years. These findings strongly suggest that habitat destruction and continued hunting pressure are affecting the primate populations.     

Different colonization patterns of phytophagous and predatory mites (Acari: Tetranychidae, Phytoseiidae) on three grape varieties: a case study

In a vineyard having three varieties of grape (Merlot, Trebbiano and Garganega) differently colonized by two phytoseiid species,Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten andAmblyseius andersoni (Chant), the dynamics of mite populations were monitored over 5 years (1989–1993) in order to study their colonization, interspecific competition and the control of spider mites, i.e.Panonychus ulmi (Koch). These aspects were also investigated by releasingT. pyri, A. andersoni andAmblyseius aberrans (Oudemans) on some of the above varieties. In most of the experimental years (1989–1992), selective pesticides were used in order to allow a successful release of phytoseiids, in particularA. aberrans. The use of non-selective insecticides was re-established during 1993 in order to test its effect on the new mite communities originating from 1989 onwards. In the first years of the experiments an apparent relationship between grape variety and phytoseiid species was observed: in the control plots,A. andersoni occurred on Merlot whereT. pyri was rare, while the latter species was largely dominant overA. andersoni on Trebbiano and Garganega.Panonychus ulmi populations reached moderate levels only on Merlot and in the first part of experiments. The variety-phytoseiid species relationship was temporary as, at the end of experiments,T. pyri was completely dominant on all varieties. This new situation started when prey occurrence and interspecific competition decreased in importance. The moderate success of theT. pyri release on Merlot contrasts with the results of previous experiments. Two factors could be involved in this phenomenon: low interspecific competition by phytoseiids and predation by macropredators.Amblyseius aberrans was able to displaceA. andersoni andT. pyri on grape varieties where the two species were more abundant and reached higher population densities on varieties with pubescent leaf undersurfaces. In the first experimental year, spider mite densities were reduced more effectively inA. aberrans release plots than in the control or inT. pyri release plots. One year later,P. ulmi reached lower levels in the release treatments than in the control.Typhlodromus pyri andA. aberrans persisted in conditions of prey scarcity. The high competitivity ofA. aberrans over the remaining two phytoseiid species constitutes a major factor in selecting predatory species for inoculative releases in vineyards.     

A Plating‐PCR Technique for Detection and Quantification of the Biological Control Agent Agrobacterium vitis Strain E26 in Soil under Controlled Conditions

Agrobacterium vitis strain E26 is a promising biocontrol agent of grapevine crown gall, an economically important disease of grape worldwide. In this report, we developed a Plating‐PCR method that allows specific detection and quantification of E26 by combining classical microbiological techniques with molecular tools. Random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprints were used to differentiate E26 from other A. vitis strains. A differentially amplified fragment from E26 was sequenced and characterized as a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker. Two primer pairs were then designed and evaluated for their specificity against E26. One of the two SCAR primer pairs, 740F/R, was further selected for specific detection of strain E26. A plating assay coupled to PCR with the SCAR primers 740F/R allowed the assessment of population dynamics of E26 in non‐sterile grape rhizosphere soil under controlled conditions.     

Identification and characterisation of differentially expressed leaf proteins among Vitis species

Grapes are commercially grown worldwide for fresh fruit and wine. They are mainly classified into bunch and muscadine grapes. These species differ in their sugar content and composition, photosynthetic efficiency and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Grape berry relies on carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis to support its development and composition. In view of the unique physiology and genetic make‐up of muscadine grape, a proteomics study was performed to increase our knowledge of Vitis leaf proteome in order to improve enological and disease tolerance characteristics of grape species. A high throughput two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) was conducted on muscadine, bunch and hybrid bunch leaf proteins. The differentially expressed proteins were excised from 2‐DE gels, subjected to in‐gel trypsin digestion, and analysed in MALDI/TOF mass spectrometer. The mass spectra were collected and protein identification was performed by searching against Viridiplantae database using Matrix Science algorithm. Proteins were mapped to universal protein resource to study gene ontology. We have discovered >255 proteins with pIs between 3.5 and 8.0 and molecular weight between 12 and 100 kDa among the Vitis species. Comparative analysis of leaf proteome showed that 54 polypeptides varied qualitatively and quantitatively among the three Vitis species studied. Of these, seven proteins were unique to muscadine, two proteins were present in both muscadine and bunch, while 28 proteins were common to all the three species. Bioinformatic analysis of these proteins showed that they are involved in signal transduction pathway, transport of metabolites, energy metabolism, protein trafficking, photosynthesis and defence. We have also identified proteins unique to muscadine grape that are involved in defence and stress tolerance. In addition, photosynthesis‐related proteins were found to be more abundant in Vitis vinifera grape compared to other Vitis species.     

Impact of the erineum strain of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colomerus vitis</Emphasis> (Acari: Eriophyidae) on the development of plants of grapevine cultivars of Iran

The present experiment was aimed at determining the influence of the grape erineum strain of Colomerus vitis (GEM) (Acari: Eriophyidae) on responses of local grapevine cultivars. GEM was applied at five density levels to each of five cultivars, i.e. Shahani, Sahebi Uroomie, Khalili Bovanat, Rishbaba and Sezdang Ghalat (listed from early to late grape ripening). The experiment was performed in a full factorial design (12 replicates each) and effects of the mite on the relative content of leaf chlorophyll, internode and cane length, leaf area and weight, number and size of the erinea, and percentage of leaves with erinea were investigated. Also mite density on leaves and in buds was assessed. Data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test to separate means among treatment levels and cultivars. The relative content of chlorophyll (expressed in Spad units) in infested leaves was reduced along with an increase in mite density and it was shown to be highly significant at the two higher mite density levels for Khalili Bovanat, Rishbaba and Sezdang Ghalat; Shahani and Sahebi Uroomie leaves appeared to be less affected by mite infestation. The highest mite density treatment displayed a strong correlation with weight (positive correlation) and size (negative correlation) of the leaves of four cultivars; leaves of Sahebi Uroomie appeared to be less affected. The reduced internode length was weak in infested plants. Most infested plants produced shorter canes and their lengths appeared to have a strong negative correlation with the highest mite density in four cultivars; canes of Sahebi Uroomie did not appear affected. At the highest mite density, canes of Khalili Bovanat and Sahebi Uroomie displayed the most and the least shortening effects, respectively. The percentage of leaves with erinea, as well as the number of erinea per leaves and the diameter of erinea increased along with the mite population density. The mite densities in buds (April 2014) and on leaves with erinea (in November 2013) were higher at the highest treatment level in the medium-late (Rishbaba) and late ripening (Sezdang Ghalat) cultivars, than in the early and early-medium ripening ones. Almost all data collected in the current experiment allowed the conclusion that Sahebi Uroomie and Shahani were less affected than the other cultivars (Khalili Bovanat, Rishbaba and Sezdang Ghalat).