First trials exploring the potential of phytoseiid mites in managing lychee erinose mite, Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), infestations on lychee plants.

Phytoseiid mites have been frequently found in association with the lychee erinose mite, Aceria litchii, on lychee plants in Brazil, suggesting that they are promising candidates as biological control agents against this pest. Here, we investigated whether phytoseiids would suppress A. litchii infestation, i.e. formation of erinea, on lychee plants under field conditions. Four groups of A. litchii-infested plants were randomly distributed in the field, with each group receiving either Phytoseius intermedius, Amblyseius herbicolus, A. herbicolus supplemented with cattail pollen or no predator. During a three-month period, the released predators, along with others present in the surrounding environment, were allowed to freely walk among all plants. In each plant, we evaluated the occurrence of phytoseiid species, their abundance, and the dynamics of erinea formation. A total of 2,097 mites, including 13 other phytoseiid species were identified. The most abundant species were Iphiseiodes zuluagai and Euseius ho, rather than the two predator species that were released. A. herbicolus and P. intermedius failed to establish populations in the majority of the plants, regardless of the presence of pollen, suggesting their ineffectiveness in controlling A. litchii infestations. While there was a significant difference in the proportion of erinea among the four treatments, this contrast was not associated with the presence of phytoseiids, suggesting that other factors might have hindered erinea formation on lychee plants. The reasons behind this outcome are further explored and discussed.

Field evaluation of the efficacy of copper nanoparticles against mites associated with orange trees / Avaliação de campo da eficácia de nanopartículas de cobre contra ácaros associados às laranjeiras

Phytophagous mites are dangerous pests, causing economic losses to the world's crops. Nanotechnology is a promising field for pests and disease management, and enhancement of agricultural productivity. The aim of the study was to evaluation of the effectiveness of copper nanoparticles (CuNP) against all stages of eriophyid mite, the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and tetranychid mite, the citrus brown mite Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) (Acari: Tetranychidae), and Tenuipalpid mite, the false spider mite, Brevipalpus obovatus Donnadieu (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). This includes its impacts on predacious mites, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), on orange trees under field conditions. Five different concentrations of copper nanoparticles (40, 80, 160, 240, and 320 ppm), as well as the control (well water) were examined. The obtained results indicated that the mortality rate of both phytophagous and predacious mites was associated with an increase in the concentrations of copper nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles were significantly effective in killing P. oleivora, E. orientalis and B. obovatus with minimal effects on A. swirskii and E. scutalis. The mortality percentage was 15.24, 20.32, 46.32, 78.97 and 86.37% for P. oleivora, 6.87, 9.86, 28.91, 56.30 and 77.52% for E. orientalis and 8.38, 23.50, 48.83, 68.80 and 84.08% for B. obovatus while the mortality percentage was 0.00, 0.56, 5.83, 9.91 and 15.19% for A. swirskii and 0.44, 3.96, 6.93, 8.63 and 21.39% for E. scutalis one week after exposure to 40, 80, 160, 240 and 320 ppm of copper nanoparticles, respectively. Moreover, the results showed that copper nanoparticles caused a reduction in the percentage of eggs hatching. The percentages of larvae hatching from eggs were 96.29, 80.00, 64.13, 45.66 and 32.17% for P. oleivora, 97.38, 83.28, 69.41, 48.01 and 35.29 for E. orientalis and 96.60, 76.92, 56.38, 40.55 and 33.28% for B. obovatus one week after exposure to copper nanoparticles at 40, 80, 160, 240 and 320 ppm respectively, compared with the control (well water). According to the results, the use of copper nanoparticles significant effect on reducing the population of phytophagous mites associated with orange trees, with low detrimental effects on predatory mites.

Os ácaros fitófagos são pragas perigosas, causando prejuízos econômicos às lavouras mundiais. A nanotecnologia é um campo promissor para o manejo de pragas e doenças, aumentando a produtividade agrícola. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de nanopartículas de cobre (CuNP) em laranjeiras em condições de campo, contra todos os estágios das seguintes espécies: o ácaro eriofídeo, também chamado de ácaro da falsa ferrugem dos citros, ou Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae); o ácaro tetraniquídeo, também chamado de ácaro marrom dos citros, ou Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) (Acari: Tetranychidae); e o ácaro Tenuipalpidae, também chamado de falso ácaro, ou Brevipalpus obovatus (Donnadieu) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). Isso inclui seus impactos sobre ácaros predadores, como o Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot e o Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Foram examinadas cinco diferentes concentrações de nanopartículas de cobre (40, 80, 160, 240 e 320 ppm), assim como o controle (água de poço). Os resultados obtidos indicaram que a taxa de mortalidade de ácaros fitófagos e predadores esteve associada ao aumento das concentrações de nanopartículas de cobre. As nanopartículas de cobre foram significativamente eficazes em matar o P. oleivora, o E. orientalis e o B. obovatus, com efeitos mínimos sobre o A. swirskii e o E. scutalis. As porcentagens de mortalidade foram: 15,24, 20,32, 46,32, 78,97 e 86,37% para P. oleivora; 6,87, 9,86, 28,91, 56,30 e 77,52% para E. orientalis; 8,38, 23,50, 48,83, 68,80 e 84,08% para B. obovatus; 0,00, 0,56, 5,83, 9,91 e 15,19% para A. swirskii; e 0,44, 3,96, 6,93, 8,63 e 21,39% para E. scutalis, uma semana após a exposição a 40, 80, 160, 240 e 320 ppm de nanopartículas de cobre, respectivamente. Além disso, os resultados mostraram que as nanopartículas de cobre causaram uma redução na porcentagem de eclosão dos ovos. As porcentagens de larvas eclodindo dos ovos foram: 96,29, 80,00, 64,13, 45,66 e 32,17% para P. oleivora; 97,38, 83,28, 69,41, 48,01 e 35,29 para E. orientalis; e 96,60, 76,92, 56,38, 40,58 e 33,29 para B. obovatus, uma semana após a exposição às nanopartículas de cobre a 40, 80, 160, 240 e 320 ppm, respectivamente, em comparação com o controle (água de poço). De acordo com os resultados, o uso de nanopartículas de cobre teve efeito significativo na redução da população de ácaros fitófagos associados às laranjeiras, com baixo efeito prejudicial aos ácaros predadores.

Mites associated with budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) and the first report of Ornithonyssus bursa (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) in Mexico.

Background: Hematophagous mites affect numerous bird species, causing severe injuries to the budgerigars. Some species can cause dermatitis in humans. Aims: The purpose was to morphologically identify the mites related to budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and their nests in Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: In May 2022, a private budgerigar hatchery was visited and mites were collected from the bodies of the birds and their nests. The morphological traits of the mites were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Four of 30 birds showed severe clinical signs of mite infestation. The Budgerigars revealed lesions in the cere, nostrils, eyelids, beak, and paws. The bird's skin showed signs of dryness and beige coloring. The birds with severe damage also presented anorexia and had deformed paws and beaks. The parasitosis was caused by the "burrowing mites," Knemidocoptes pilae. The burrowing mites and the Grallacheles bakeri were recovered and identified from paw scabs. To eliminate mites, a topical application of Ivermectin was administered to the necks of the birds. The dose was a single, which has a residuality of 21 days. Two drops (0.115 mg/ml) of ivermectin were applied to each bird. A gradual reduction in crusted lesions due to mite mortality was noted. The "tropical fowl mite" Ornithonyssus bursa was identified in the nests, which represents the first record in Mexico. Conclusions: Three species of mites were discovered in a single budgerigar hatchery. This emphasizes the importance of deworming birds and keeping a clean environment in their cages to reduce the potential for parasitic mite infestation.

Semi-field evaluation of the predation of Macrocheles embersoni and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Acari: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae) on the house fly and the stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae).

BACKGROUND: The house fly, Musca domestica L., and the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), are important and harmful organisms. The cosmopolitan house fly is not parasitic, but the adults are annoying and a known vector of several pathogens. The importance of the stable fly has increased in Brazil in the last 40 years, after major changes in sugarcane cultivation practices were implemented, including the widespread application of vinasse (byproduct in sugarcane mills) and the parallel reduction of sugarcane preharvest burning. These changes have favored the development of this fly, which can reach high populations, that can negatively affect cattle and other animals. The control of these flies relies heavily on the use of chemical products, which very often do not provide adequate population reduction. Predatory mites of the family Macrochelidae have been evaluated under laboratory conditions for the biological control of these organisms, especially of the house fly. The objective of this study was to examine the predation capacity of the macrochelids Macrocheles embersoni Azevedo, Castilho & Berto and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) on the house fly and the stable fly, under semi-field conditions (screen-houses). RESULTS: Reductions of 83 to 90% of the house fly and 66 to 73% of the stable fly populations were observed, with the release of 100 of these predators per square meter. CONCLUSIONS: The number of adults of both fly species was much lower in the units where the predators had been released than in the others. However it is suggested that provisioning and or conserving alternative food sources for these macrochelids, such as free-living nematodes, could further improve biocontrol efficacy.

Suitability of food resources for Proprioseiopsis mexicanus, a potentially important natural enemy in eastern USA agroecosystems.

The phytoseiid Proprioseiopsis mexicanus has been collected from a wide range of plants in the western hemisphere, including many cucurbit agroecosystems in South Carolina, USA. Our aim was to characterize the lifestyle of P. mexicanus and its potential as a natural enemy of Tetranychus urticae, a common pest in cucurbits. We determined developmental time, pre-oviposition time, and fecundity of females on pollen-only diets from a commercial Typha spp. supplement source, Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Delosperma cooperi, Trifolium incarnatum, and on T. urticae and a combination of T. urticae and Typha spp. pollen. Female development time differed based on diet-development was fastest on C. lanatus and D. cooperi diets (ca. 3 days) and slowest on Typha pollen diet (ca. 5 days). Pre-oviposition time was shorter for females fed C. lanatus and T. incarnatum (1.6 days) and longest when fed Typha pollen (3.1 days). Citrullus lanatus, T. incarnatum, and D. cooperi pollen diets resulted in more eggs/day compared to other diets. Cucurbita moschata pollen resulted in the lowest oviposition rate (0.69 eggs/day). Because these pollens varied in size, we examined pollen size as a factor in developmental and reproductive success. With the exception of Typha pollen, small-pollen diets (C. lanatus, D. cooperi, and T. incarnatum) resulted in faster development, shorter pre-oviposition time, and higher fecundity than large-pollen diets (Cucurbita spp.). We concluded that P. mexicanus is a generalist predator that may require pollen for survival and reproduction, but alone this species may not be an effective predator of T. urticae.

Effects of thermal shock on the survival and reproduction of Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae).

The responses of arthropods to thermal stress are vital in ecological studies in order to understand survival, development, and reproduction. However, this subject is poorly addressed. In the order Mesostigmata, an abundance of species lives in the soil. Among these species, Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) is a predator used in the control of pest organisms that live in the soil. Mites of this species are commercialized in several countries, including Brazil, presenting efficiency in pest control in several crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal shock on S. scimitus females, as well as to monitor the temperature variation in the environment. For each temperature, 80 experimental units were assembled for different periods (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h). Experimental units were maintained at 25 °C, after exposure of the mites. Mortality and oviposition were evaluated. The results showed a 40% reduction in the survival of mites exposed to 37 °C for 4 h, compared to the control treatment (25 °C). Oviposition was less affected at 1 h exposure to temperatures of 19 and 12 °C and thermic fluctuation was observed in the greenhouse, especially inside the slabs. Understanding temperature effects in mites and the thermic fluctuation in the environment is essential to achieve satisfactory results in biological control. It is important to observe the scenario in which predatory mites will be released as these aspects are decisive in predatory activity.

Ontogenetic stage-specific reciprocal intraguild predation.

The size or stage of interacting individuals is known to affect the outcome of ecological interactions and can have important consequences for population dynamics. This is also true for intraguild predation (the killing and eating of potential competitors), where the size or ontogenetic stage of an individual determines whether it is the intraguild predator or the intraguild prey. Studying size- or stage-specific interactions is therefore important, but can be challenging in species with complex life histories. Here, we investigated predatory interactions of all feeding stages of the two predatory mite species Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus macropilis, both of which have complex life cycles, typical for predatory arthropods. Populations of these two species compete for two-spotted spider mites, their prey. We evaluated both the capacity to kill stages of the other predator species and the capacity to benefit from feeding on these stages, both prerequisites for the occurrence of intraguild predation. Ontogeny played a critical role in the occurrence of intraguild predation. Whereas the juveniles of P. macropilis developed from larva until adulthood when feeding on N. californicus eggs, interestingly, adult female P. macropilis did not feed on the smaller stages of the other species. We furthermore show that intraguild predation was reciprocal: both juveniles and adult females of N. californicus preyed on the smallest stages of P. macropilis. These results suggest that a proper analysis of the interactions between pairs of species involved in intraguild predation should start with an inventory of the interactions among all ontogenetic stages of these species.

Ascidae, Blattisociidae and Melicharidae (Acari: Mesostigmata): zoogeographic analyses based on newly available databases.

Until recently, species of the families Ascidae Voigts Oudemans, Blattisociidae Garman and Melicharidae Hirschmann were considered to belong to a single family, Ascidae, based on their similarity in external morphology. Databases on the distribution and biology of species in those families have been collected are now freely available. This information allows the first zoogeographic analysis of these groups. Almost 2200 records obtained from about 820 publications were entered into the databases, which are periodically updated. The countries with the highest known diversity of mites of these groups are: Ascidae-Russia (56), United States of America (42), China (37) and Poland (36); Blattisociidae-China (47), United States of America (41), Ecuador (38), India (33) and Poland (32); Melicharidae-United States of America (46), Brazil (23), Ecuador (20) and Poland and Germany (15). No species of these families have been reported from about 44% of the countries, most probably because of inadequate sampling effort. Comparing the species composition of the different regions, Jaccard similarity indexes were low, being higher between the Palaearctic and Saharo-Arabian regions for the ascids (0.15), between the same regions for the blattisociids (0.19) and between the Neotropical and Panamanian regions for the melicharids (0.18). These data are compatible with the results of parsimony analyses of endemicity (PAE), in which those pairs of regions constituted distinct clades. The analyses suggest that Ascidae probably originated in the Palaearctic region, whereas Blattisociidae and Melicharidae probably originated somewhere in the Neotropical or Panamanian regions.

Rearing system for the predatory phytoseiid Euseius concordis (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

Several species of predatory mites, especially those of the family Phytoseiidae, are potentially useful for the control of pest mites and insects. Among the phytoseiids, Euseius concordis (Chant), a species commonly found in South America, has been studied for possible use as biological control agent of pest mites. Given that Euseius species are known to feed on plant leaves and on pollen, the objective of this study was to determine plant species and pollen sources suitable to establish a pilot method of production of that species, based on a set of comparisons in the laboratory. Out of four plant species evaluated in the study, higher survivorship of E. concordis females in the absence of supplementary food was observed on leaflets of Canavalia ensiformis L. Out of two pollen types, higher survivorship was obtained on pollen of Typha domingensis L. In a subsequent step, the population of E. concordis increased 19.3× within 21 days when that pollen of T. domingensis was offered to the predator on plantlets of C. ensiformis, at 25.0 ± 1 °C, 70.0 ± 10% RH and 12 h photophase. Future studies may confirm the economic viability of this setup for the mass production of E. concordis.

Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) associated with tropical ornamental plants, with a checklist and a key to the species of Bahia, Brazil.

Twenty-four papers refer to phytoseiid mites from different plant species in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, but none of those refer to taxonomic surveys on ornamental plants. The aim of this study was to determine phytoseiids from tropical ornamentals in the southern coastal region of Bahia state, as well as to present a checklist and an identification key to the species recorded in that state. Samples were collected at eight localities of five municipalities. A total of seventeen species in nine genera was found on fifteen plant species of the families Costaceae, Heliconiaceae, Musaceae and Zingiberaceae. The most frequent and abundant phytoseiid species were Iphiseiodes metapodalis (El-Banhawy), Amblyseius operculatus De Leon and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma, respectively. The checklist and the identification key to the Phytoseiidae species of Bahia were prepared based on the published literature.

Two new species of Stigmaeidae (Acari: Trombidiformes: Rhaphignathoidea) from Brazil.

Two new species of Stigmaeidae, Agistemus rodriguezi Paktinat-Saeij & Cruz sp. nov. and Eryngiopus moraesi Paktinat-Saeij & Barroso sp. nov. are described and illustrated on the basis of adult specimens from northern Brazil.

Three new species of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Bahia State, Brazil.

During a survey of predatory mites on cocoa cropping areas in Bahia State, north-eastern Brazil, three undescribed species of Phytoseiidae were collected on natural vegetation associated with crops. Typhlodromips baculiductus n. sp., Graminaseius bahiensis n. sp. and Typhlodromalus annulatus n. sp. are described and diagnosed. Comments on the boundary between the genera Amblydromalus Chant & McMurtry and Typhlodromalus Muma are also included.

Phytoseiid mites from tropical fruit trees in Bahia State, Brazil (Acari, Phytoseiidae).

The cultivation of tropical fruit trees has grown considerably in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Some of these have been severely attacked by phytophagous mites, which are usually controlled by the use of chemical pesticides. However, there is today a growing interest for the adoption of less aggressive measures of pest control, as for example the use of predatory mites. Most of the plant-inhabiting predatory mites belong to the family Phytoseiidae. The objective of this paper is to report the phytoseiid species found in an intensive survey conducted on cultivated tropical fruit trees in fifteen localities of the southern coast of Bahia. Measurements of relevant morphological characters are provided for each species, to complement the understanding of the morphological variation of these species. Twenty-nine species of sixteen genera were identified. A key was elaborated to assist in the separation of these species. Fifteen species are reported for the first time in the state, raising to sixty-six the number of species of this family now known from Bahia. Seventy-two percent of the species collected belong to Amblyseiinae, followed by Typhlodrominae (21%) and Phytoseiinae (7%). The most diverse genus was Amblyseius. Amblyseius operculatus De Leon was the most frequent and abundant species. Studies should be conducted to evaluate the possible role of the most common predators as control agents of the phytophagous mites co-occurring with them.

Plantas associadas à videiras: uma estratégia para o controle biológico no Rio Grande do Sul / Plants associated to the grapevine: a strategy for biological control in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Espécies de plantas associadas podem servir de abrigo para um grande número de organismo, entre eles ácaros predadores. Este estudo visou identificar as plantas associadas com maior potencial de inimigos naturais, para poder estabelecer formas de controle biológico. O estudo foi realizado nos municípios de Boqueirão do Leão e Dois Lajeados, no período de março de 2006 a fevereiro de 2007 e em Candiota e Bento Gonçalves, no período de outubro de 2006 a setembro de 2007, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os ácaros foram coletados mensalmente em cinco espécies de plantas comumente encontradas no interior ou nos arredores da cultura de videiras. As plantas foram avaliadas sob microscópio estereoscópico, sendo encontrado um total de 1.036 ácaros das famílias Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae e Iolinidae. Foram amostradas 80 espécies de plantas, totalizando 506 amostragens. Em Sonchus oleraceus L, foram encontrados 110 espécimes, em Plantago tomentosa Lam. foram encontrados 105 ácaros, em Chromolaena Laevigata (Lam) R. M. King &H. Rob., 97 ácaros e em Solanum americanum Mill. 75 ácaros. Pronematus anconai Baker, (1943) 1944, foi mais abundante, com 618 espécimes presentes em 44 plantas amostradas, Transeius lisei Ferla & Silva 2008, com 112 espécimes, Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967, com 50 espécimes e Arrenoseius gaucho Ferla et al. 2010, com 68 espécimes. As espécies de plantas associadas à videira apresentam um grande número de ácaros predadores, sendo que elas podem ser um reservatório de inimigos naturais para controlar ácaros praga nesta cultura. Desta forma, essas plantas podem ser utilizadas em estratégias de onde programas de controle biológico aplicado podem ser utilizados.

PLANTS ASSOCIATED TO THE GRAPEVINE: A STRATEGY FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL. Associated plant species can provide shelter for a large number of organisms, including predatory mites. This study aimed to identify the associated plants with the greatest potential for natural enemies, in order to establish forms of biological control. The study was conducted in Boqueirão do Leão and Dois Lajeados counties, from March 2006 to February 2007, and in Candiota and Bento Gonçalves counties, from October 2006 to September 2007, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The mites were collected monthly on 5 plant species commonly found inside or outside the grapevine crop. The plants were evaluated under a stereoscopic microscope, and a total of 1036 mites of the Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae, and Iolinidae families were found. Eighty plant species were sampled, for a total of 506 samples. Examination revealed 110 specimens on Sonchus oleraceus L., 105 on Plantago tomentosaLam., 97 on Chromolaena Laevigata (Lam) R. M. King & H. Rob., and 75 on Solanum americanumMill. Pronematus anconai, 1944, was the most abundant species, with 618 specimens present on 44 plants, followed by Transeius lisei, with 112 specimens, Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967, with 50 specimens, and Arrenoseius gaucho, Ferla et al. 2010 with 68 specimens. Plants associated to the grapevine have a large number of predatory mites, and they can be a reservoir of natural enemies for the control of pest mites in this crop. Thus, these plants can be used in strategies involving the use of biological control programs.

Plantas associadas à videiras: uma estratégia para o controle biológico no Rio Grande do Sul / Plants associated to the grapevine: a strategy for biological control in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Espécies de plantas associadas podem servir de abrigo para um grande número de organismo, entre eles ácaros predadores. Este estudo visou identificar as plantas associadas com maior potencial de inimigos naturais, para poder estabelecer formas de controle biológico. O estudo foi realizado nos municípios de Boqueirão do Leão e Dois Lajeados, no período de março de 2006 a fevereiro de 2007 e em Candiota e Bento Gonçalves, no período de outubro de 2006 a setembro de 2007, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os ácaros foram coletados mensalmente em cinco espécies de plantas comumente encontradas no interior ou nos arredores da cultura de videiras. As plantas foram avaliadas sob microscópio estereoscópico, sendo encontrado um total de 1.036 ácaros das famílias Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae e Iolinidae. Foram amostradas 80 espécies de plantas, totalizando 506 amostragens. Em Sonchus oleraceus L, foram encontrados 110 espécimes, em Plantago tomentosa Lam. foram encontrados 105 ácaros, em Chromolaena Laevigata (Lam) R. M. King &H. Rob., 97 ácaros e em Solanum americanum Mill. 75 ácaros. Pronematus anconai Baker, (1943) 1944, foi mais abundante, com 618 espécimes presentes em 44 plantas amostradas, Transeius lisei Ferla & Silva 2008, com 112 espécimes, Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967, com 50 espécimes e Arrenoseius gaucho Ferla et al. 2010, com 68 espécimes. As espécies de plantas associadas à videira apresentam um grande número de ácaros predadores, sendo que elas podem ser um reservatório de inimigos naturais para controlar ácaros praga nesta cultura. Desta forma, essas plantas podem ser utilizadas em estratégias de onde programas de controle biológico aplicado podem ser utilizados. (AU)

PLANTS ASSOCIATED TO THE GRAPEVINE: A STRATEGY FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL. Associated plant species can provide shelter for a large number of organisms, including predatory mites. This study aimed to identify the associated plants with the greatest potential for natural enemies, in order to establish forms of biological control. The study was conducted in Boqueirão do Leão and Dois Lajeados counties, from March 2006 to February 2007, and in Candiota and Bento Gonçalves counties, from October 2006 to September 2007, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The mites were collected monthly on 5 plant species commonly found inside or outside the grapevine crop. The plants were evaluated under a stereoscopic microscope, and a total of 1036 mites of the Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae, and Iolinidae families were found. Eighty plant species were sampled, for a total of 506 samples. Examination revealed 110 specimens on Sonchus oleraceus L., 105 on Plantago tomentosaLam., 97 on Chromolaena Laevigata (Lam) R. M. King & H. Rob., and 75 on Solanum americanumMill. Pronematus anconai, 1944, was the most abundant species, with 618 specimens present on 44 plants, followed by Transeius lisei, with 112 specimens, Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967, with 50 specimens, and Arrenoseius gaucho, Ferla et al. 2010 with 68 specimens. Plants associated to the grapevine have a large number of predatory mites, and they can be a reservoir of natural enemies for the control of pest mites in this crop. Thus, these plants can be used in strategies involving the use of biological control programs. (AU)

Plantas associadas à videiras: uma estratégia para o controle biológico no Rio Grande do Sul

Associated plant species can provide shelter for a large number of organisms, including predatory mites. This study aimed to identify the associated plants with the greatest potential for natural enemies, in order to establish forms of biological control. The study was conducted in Boqueirão do Leão and Dois Lajeados counties, from March 2006 to February 2007, and in Candiota and Bento GONÇALVES counties, from October 2006 to September 2007, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The mites were collected monthly on 5 plant species commonly found inside or outside the grapevine crop. The plants were evaluated under a stereoscopic microscope, and a total of 1036 mites of the Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae, and Iolinidae families were found. Eighty plant species were sampled, for a total of 506 samples. Examination revealed 110 specimens on Sonchus oleraceus L., 105 on Plantago tomentosa Lam., 97 on Chromolaena Laevigata (Lam) R. M. King & H. Rob., and 75 on Solanum americanum Mill. Pronematus anconai, 1944, was the most abundant species, with 618 specimens present on 44 plants, followed by Transeius lisei, with 112 specimens, Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967, with 50 specimens, and Arrenoseius gaucho, FERLA et al. 2010 with 68 specimens. Plants associated to the grapevine have a large number of predatory mites, and they can be a reservoir of natural enemies for the control of pest mites in this crop. Thus, these plants can be used in strategies involving the use of biological control programs.

Espécies de plantas associadas podem servir de abrigo para um grande número de organismo, entre eles ácaros predadores. Este estudo visou identificar as plantas associadas com maior potencial de inimigos naturais, para poder estabelecer formas de controle biológico. O estudo foi realizado nos municípios de Boqueirão do Leão e Dois Lajeados, no período de março de 2006 a fevereiro de 2007 e em Candiota e Bento GONÇALVES, no período de outubro de 2006 a setembro de 2007, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os ácaros foram coletados mensalmente em cinco espécies de plantas comumente encontradas no interior ou nos arredores da cultura de videiras. As plantas foram avaliadas sob microscópio estereoscópico, sendo encontrado um total de 1.036 ácaros das famílias Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae e Iolinidae. Foram amostradas 80 espécies de plantas, totalizando 506 amostragens. Em Sonchus oleraceus L, foram encontrados 110 espécimes, em Plantago tomentosa Lam. foram encontrados 105 ácaros, em Chromolaena Laevigata (Lam) R. M. King &H. Rob., 97 ácaros e em Solanum americanum Mill. 75 ácaros. Pronematus anconai BAKER, (1943) 1944, foi mais abundante, com 618 espécimes presentes em 44 plantas amostradas, Transeius lisei FERLA & SILVA 2008, com 112 espécimes, Typhlodromalus aripo Deleon, 1967, com 50 espécimes e Arrenoseius gaucho FERLA et al. 2010, com 68 espécimes. As espécies de plantas associadas à videira apresentam um grande número de ácaros predadores, sendo que elas podem ser um reservatório de inimigos naturais para controlar ácaros praga nesta cultura. Desta forma, essas plantas podem ser utilizadas em estratégias de onde programas de controle biológico aplicado podem ser utilizados.

Mites (Arachnida, Acari) on Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck orange trees in the state of Amazonas, Northern Brazil

Despite the importance of citriculture in Brazil, very little is known about mite populations in citrus crops in the Northern Region. In the municipality of Manaus, 12 sprayed sweet orange orchards were surveyed every two weeks during seven months to record mite species amount, and to describe the abundance and distribution of the most important species. The size and age of the orchards varied from 3,360 to 88,080 m² and seven to 25 years, respectively. In the fourteen sampling period, leaves, twigs and fruits were collected from 12 trees, one per orchard. In total, 3,360 leaves, 672 twigs and 1,344 fruits were sampled from 168 trees. Mites were manually extracted from the fruits, and by the washing method on leaves and twigs. We identified pests with the potential to cause economic loss. Fourteen species of phytophagous and mycophagous mites from Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae, Tenuipalpidae, and Tetranychidae were recorded. Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes 1939) and Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm., 1879), the two commonest phytophagous mites in other Brazilian regions were dominant, showing that local orchards are susceptible to their infestation. Eleven predatory mites were recorded, comprising 10% of the mite population, belonging to Phytoseiidae and Ascidae. Phytoseiidae was the richest family, with ten species. The results are discussed in relation to the temporal variation aspects and habitat use of the most important species. Long-term research encompassing chemical applications followed by evaluations of the mite community are necessary for a better management of the orchards, taking into consideration the seasonal phenology of key pests.

Apesar da importância da citricultura no Brasil, pouco se conhece sobre as populações de ácaros em plantações de citros no norte do país. No município de Manaus, 12 pomares de laranja doce pulverizados foram avaliados a cada duas semanas, durante sete meses, para o registro de ácaros plantícolas e para descrever a abundância e a distribuição das espécies mais importantes. O tamanho e a idade dos pomares variaram de 3.360 a 88.0080 m² e de sete a 25 anos, respectivamente. Nos 14 períodos de coleta, folhas, galhos e frutos foram coletados de uma árvore em cada pomar. No total, 3.360 folhas, 672 galhos e 1.344 frutos foram coletados de 168 árvores. Os ácaros foram extraídos dos frutos manualmente e pelo método de lavagem nas folhas e galhos. Identificamos espécies pragas com potencial de causar danos econômicos. Registramos 14 espécies de fitófagos em quatro famílias (Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae, Tenuipalpidae, and Tetranychidae). Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes 1939) (Tenuipalpidae) e Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm., 1879) (Eriophyidae), as duas espécies fitófagas mais abundantes em outras regiões, foram dominantes, mostrando que a cultura de citros local é suscetível à infestação. Registramos 11 espécies de predadores das famílias Phytoseiidae e Ascidae, compreendendo 10% da população total. Phytoseiidae foi a família mais diversa, com 10 espécies. Foram discutidos aspectos da variação temporal e utilização de hábitat das espécies mais abundantes. Estudos de longo prazo, envolvendo a aplicação de acaricidas e avaliações da comunidade de ácaros, são necessários para um melhor manejo dos pomares, levando-se em consideração a fenologia das pragas-chave.

Mites (Arachnida, Acari) on Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck orange trees in the state of Amazonas, Northern Brazil / Ácarofauna de Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck no estado do Amazonas, Brasil

Despite the importance of citriculture in Brazil, very little is known about mite populations in citrus crops in the Northern Region. In the municipality of Manaus, 12 sprayed sweet orange orchards were surveyed every two weeks during seven months to record mite species amount, and to describe the abundance and distribution of the most important species. The size and age of the orchards varied from 3,360 to 88,080 m² and seven to 25 years, respectively. In the fourteen sampling period, leaves, twigs and fruits were collected from 12 trees, one per orchard. In total, 3,360 leaves, 672 twigs and 1,344 fruits were sampled from 168 trees. Mites were manually extracted from the fruits, and by the washing method on leaves and twigs. We identified pests with the potential to cause economic loss. Fourteen species of phytophagous and mycophagous mites from Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae, Tenuipalpidae, and Tetranychidae were recorded. Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes 1939) and Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm., 1879), the two commonest phytophagous mites in other Brazilian regions were dominant, showing that local orchards are susceptible to their infestation. Eleven predatory mites were recorded, comprising 10 percent of the mite population, belonging to Phytoseiidae and Ascidae. Phytoseiidae was the richest family, with ten species. The results are discussed in relation to the temporal variation aspects and habitat use of the most important species. Long-term research encompassing chemical applications followed by evaluations of the mite community are necessary for a better management of the orchards, taking into consideration the seasonal phenology of key pests.

Apesar da importância da citricultura no Brasil, pouco se conhece sobre as populações de ácaros em plantações de citros no norte do país. No município de Manaus, 12 pomares de laranja doce pulverizados foram avaliados a cada duas semanas, durante sete meses, para o registro de ácaros plantícolas e para descrever a abundância e a distribuição das espécies mais importantes. O tamanho e a idade dos pomares variaram de 3.360 a 88.0080 m² e de sete a 25 anos, respectivamente. Nos 14 períodos de coleta, folhas, galhos e frutos foram coletados de uma árvore em cada pomar. No total, 3.360 folhas, 672 galhos e 1.344 frutos foram coletados de 168 árvores. Os ácaros foram extraídos dos frutos manualmente e pelo método de lavagem nas folhas e galhos. Identificamos espécies pragas com potencial de causar danos econômicos. Registramos 14 espécies de fitófagos em quatro famílias (Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae, Tenuipalpidae, and Tetranychidae). Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes 1939) (Tenuipalpidae) e Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm., 1879) (Eriophyidae), as duas espécies fitófagas mais abundantes em outras regiões, foram dominantes, mostrando que a cultura de citros local é suscetível à infestação. Registramos 11 espécies de predadores das famílias Phytoseiidae e Ascidae, compreendendo 10 por cento da população total. Phytoseiidae foi a família mais diversa, com 10 espécies. Foram discutidos aspectos da variação temporal e utilização de hábitat das espécies mais abundantes. Estudos de longo prazo, envolvendo a aplicação de acaricidas e avaliações da comunidade de ácaros, são necessários para um melhor manejo dos pomares, levando-se em consideração a fenologia das pragas-chave.