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de França-Beltrão GV, Monteiro VB, Melo JWS, Lima DB, Lofego AC, Gondim MGC. Population dynamics of Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, a neglected mite pest in coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s10493-023-00806-2. [PMID: 37322232 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The meristematic region of Cocos nucifera fruits can be colonized by various species of mites, including Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, Steneotarsonemus furcatus, and Aceria guerreronis. The consequence of this colonization is the development of necrotic lesions on the fruit, and sometimes its abortion. Losses are commonly attributed to A. guerreronis alone, owing to the similarities in the injuries caused and its predominance in coconut plantations. However, S. concavuscutum may be the predominant pest species in some crops. Despite the possible impact of S. concavuscutum, little is known about its bioecological aspects, such as the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on its population dynamics. Our objective was to document macroclimatic abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation) and biotic factors (interspecific competition and predation) interfere in the population dynamics of S. concavuscutum. We evaluated the diversity and abundance of mites in the perianth of coconut fruit naturally infested by S. concavuscutum for 1 year. The species found in the fruits of bunch 6 of the plant, which is the fruit age at which the mites commonly reach the highest abundance, were counted every 2 weeks. We found mites from nine families and S. concavuscutum was the predominant species, representing about 92% of the individuals collected. Predators represented approximately 2% of the total collection, with Neoseiulus baraki as the predominant species. Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum population density ranged from 60 to 397 mites/fruit. The highest population densities of S. concavuscutum were observed in the hottest and driest periods of the year. The population densities of S. concavuscutum were negatively associated with the presence of N. baraki, suggesting that this predator may have a role in the biological control of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girleide V de França-Beltrão
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Vaneska B Monteiro
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - José W S Melo
- Departamento de Zoologia - Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, Recife, PE, 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Debora B Lima
- Departamento de Zoologia - Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, Recife, PE, 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Antônio C Lofego
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas-Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Manoel G C Gondim
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
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Arumugam T, Hatta MAM. Improving Coconut Using Modern Breeding Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3414. [PMID: 36559524 PMCID: PMC9784122 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a perennial palm with a wide range of distribution across tropical islands and coastlines. Multitude use of coconut by nature is important in the socio-economic fabric framework among rural smallholders in producing countries. It is a major source of income for 30 million farmers, while 60 million households rely on the coconut industry directly as farm workers and indirectly through the distribution, marketing, and processing of coconut and coconut-based products. Stagnant production, inadequate planting materials, the effects of climate change, as well as pests and diseases are among the key issues that need to be urgently addressed in the global coconut industry. Biotechnology has revolutionized conventional breeding approaches in creating genetic variation for trait improvement in a shorter period of time. In this review, we highlighted the challenges of current breeding strategies and the potential of biotechnological approaches, such as genomic-assisted breeding, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genotyping and genome editing tools in improving the coconut. Also, combining these technologies with high-throughput phenotyping approaches and speed breeding could speed up the rate of genetic gain in coconut breeding to solve problems that have been plaguing the industry for decades.
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Buttachon S, Arikit S, Nuchchanart W, Puangmalee T, Duanchay T, Jampameung N, Sanguansub S. Geometric Morphometric Analysis and Molecular Identification of Coconut Mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) Collected from Thailand. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13111022. [PMID: 36354847 PMCID: PMC9692404 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
One of the most impactful pests in several coconut production regions across the world is the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer. Scholars can obtain some necessary biogeographic information about coconut mites from studies that explore the geographic patterns of morphological variations and molecular properties among coconut mite populations from various locales. To investigate the geographical origin, ancestral host associations, and colonization history of the mite in Thailand, we obtained DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial (16s and COI) and one nuclear region (ITS) from coconut mite samples originating from 25 populations; additionally, we analyzed the morphological variations in the prodorsal shield and the coxigenital and ventral regions of the mite idiosoma. From the results of experiments using both identification methods, we identified the mite as the coconut mite, A. guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae). According to the phylogenetic analysis results of the 25 mite samples, we classified the mites as being closely related to mites found by the authors of a previous report in India. We are the first to report the results of a geometric morphometric analysis and molecular identification of A. guerreronis in Thailand, and our findings support the idea that the mites' origin and invasion history are not well documented, which makes it difficult to apply quarantine procedures and search for biological pest control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suradet Buttachon
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Siwaret Arikit
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Wirawan Nuchchanart
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Thanapol Puangmalee
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Tidapa Duanchay
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Nattaya Jampameung
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Sunisa Sanguansub
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
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KAR ANAMIKA, KARMAKAR KRISHNA. Description of nine new species of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Sikkim, a north eastern States of India. Zootaxa 2022; 5182:201-237. [DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5182.3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A rapid roving survey was done in the East Sikkim district of the state Sikkim with a target to explore phytoseiid fauna of the region. Nine species of phytoseiid mites namely Amblyseius lanceae sp. nov.; Amblyseiulella cancellatus sp. nov.; Amblyseiulella gangtokiensis sp. nov.; Euseius tubuliferus sp. nov.; Okiseius pahari sp. nov.; Paraamblyseius ranipoolensis sp. nov.; Phytoseius ferrum sp. nov.; Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) himaliniae sp. nov. Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) kanchanjanghai sp. nov. are described with proper illustrations in the present paper.
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Dashevsky D, Rodriguez J. A Short Review of the Venoms and Toxins of Spider Wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110744. [PMID: 34822528 PMCID: PMC8622703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps represent the plurality of venomous animals, but have received extremely little research in proportion to this taxonomic diversity. The lion’s share of investigation into insect venoms has focused on eusocial hymenopterans, but even this small sampling shows great promise for the development of new active substances. The family Pompilidae is known as the spider wasps because of their reproductive habits which include hunting for spiders, delivering a paralyzing sting, and entombing them in burrows with one of the wasp’s eggs to serve as food for the developing larva. The largest members of this family, especially the tarantula hawks of the genus Pepsis, have attained notoriety for their large size, dramatic coloration, long-term paralysis of their prey, and incredibly painful defensive stings. In this paper we review the existing research regarding the composition and function of pompilid venoms, discuss parallels from other venom literatures, identify possible avenues for the adaptation of pompilid toxins towards human purposes, and future directions of inquiry for the field.
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Marini F, Weyl P, Vidović B, Petanović R, Littlefield J, Simoni S, de Lillo E, Cristofaro M, Smith L. Eriophyid Mites in Classical Biological Control of Weeds: Progress and Challenges. INSECTS 2021; 12:513. [PMID: 34206023 PMCID: PMC8226519 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A classical biological control agent is an exotic host-specific natural enemy, which is intentionally introduced to obtain long-term control of an alien invasive species. Among the arthropods considered for this role, eriophyid mites are likely to possess the main attributes required: host specificity, efficacy, and long-lasting effects. However, so far, only a few species have been approved for release. Due to their microscopic size and the general lack of knowledge regarding their biology and behavior, working with eriophyids is particularly challenging. Furthermore, mites disperse in wind, and little is known about biotic and abiotic constraints to their population growth. All these aspects pose challenges that, if not properly dealt with, can make it particularly difficult to evaluate eriophyids as prospective biological control agents and jeopardize the general success of control programs. We identified some of the critical aspects of working with eriophyids in classical biological control of weeds and focused on how they have been or may be addressed. In particular, we analyzed the importance of accurate mite identification, the difficulties faced in the evaluation of their host specificity, risk assessment of nontarget species, their impact on the weed, and the final steps of mite release and post-release monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marini
- Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency (BBCA), via Angelo Signorelli 105, 00123 Rome, Italy;
| | - Philip Weyl
- CABI, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland;
| | - Biljana Vidović
- Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Radmila Petanović
- Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.V.); (R.P.)
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jeffrey Littlefield
- Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;
| | - Sauro Simoni
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, via di Lanciola 12a, 50125 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Enrico de Lillo
- Department of Plant, Soil and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Massimo Cristofaro
- Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency (BBCA), via Angelo Signorelli 105, 00123 Rome, Italy;
- ENEA Casaccia, SSPT-BIOAG-PROBIO, via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Lincoln Smith
- USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA;
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Paz Neto AA, Melo JWS, Lima DB, Gondim Junior MGC, Janssen A. Field distribution patterns of pests are asymmetrically affected by the presence of other herbivores. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2020; 110:611-619. [PMID: 32252842 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485320000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Because plant phenotypes can change in response to attacks by herbivores in highly variable ways, the distribution of herbivores depends on the occurrence of other herbivore species on the same plant. We carried out a field study to evaluate the co-occurrence of three coconut pests, the mites Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae), Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum (Acari: Tarsonemidae) and the moth Atheloca bondari (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The eriophyid mite Ac. guerreronis is the most important coconut pest around the world, whereas S. concavuscutum and At. bondari are economically important only in some areas along the Brazilian coast. A previous study suggested that the necrosis caused by Ac. guerreronis facilitates the infestation of At. bondari larvae. Because all three species infest the area under the perianths on coconuts and S. concavuscutum also causes necrosis that could facilitate At. bondari, we evaluated the co-occurrence of all three species. We found that the occurrence of At. bondari was positively associated with Ac. guerreronis, but negatively associated with S. concavuscutum. In addition, the two mite species showed negative co-occurrence. Atheloca bondari was found on nuts of all ages, but more on nuts that had fallen than on those on the trees, suggesting that nuts infested by At. bondari tend to fall more frequently. We discuss the status of At. bondari as a pest and discuss experiments to test the causes of these co-occurrence patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Paz Neto
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - J W S Melo
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - D B Lima
- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - M G C Gondim Junior
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - A Janssen
- Evolutionary and Population Biology, IBED, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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de Lillo E, Pozzebon A, Valenzano D, Duso C. An Intimate Relationship Between Eriophyoid Mites and Their Host Plants - A Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1786. [PMID: 30564261 PMCID: PMC6288765 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Eriophyoid mites (Acari Eriophyoidea) are phytophagous arthropods forming intimate relationships with their host plants. These mites are associated with annual and perennial plants including ferns, and are highly specialized with a dominant monophagy. They can be classified in different ecological classes, i.e., vagrant, gall-making and refuge-seeking species. Many of them are major pests and some of them are vectors of plant pathogens. This paper critically reviews the knowledge on eriophyoids of agricultural importance with emphasis on sources for host plant resistance to these mites. The role of species belonging to the family Eriophyidae as vectors of plant viruses is discussed. Eriophyoid-host plant interactions, the susceptibility within selected crops and main host plant tolerance/resistance mechanisms are discussed. Fundamental concepts, subjects, and problems emerged in this review are pointed out and studies are suggested to clarify some controversial points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico de Lillo
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Entomological and Zoological Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alberto Pozzebon
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Domenico Valenzano
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Entomological and Zoological Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Duso
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Sousa ASG, Argolo PS, Gondim MGC, de Moraes GJ, Oliveira AR. Influence of fruit age of the Brazilian Green Dwarf coconut on the relationship between Aceria guerreronis population density and percentage of fruit damage. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 72:329-337. [PMID: 28831715 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0152-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), is one of the main coconut pests in the American, African and parts of the Asian continents, reaching densities of several thousand mites per fruit. Diagrammatic scales have been developed to standardize the estimation of the population densities of A. guerreronis according to the estimated percentage of damage, but these have not taken into account the possible effect of fruit age, although previous studies have already reported the variation in mite numbers with fruit age. The objective of this study was to re-construct the relation between damage and mite density at different fruit ages collected in an urban coconut plantation containing the green dwarf variety ranging from the beginning to nearly the end of the infestation, as regularly seen under field conditions in northeast Brazil, in order to improve future estimates with diagrammatic scales. The percentage of damage was estimated with two diagrammatic scales on a total of 470 fruits from 1 to 5 months old, from a field at Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, determining the respective number of mites on each fruit. The results suggested that in estimates with diagrammatic scales: (1) fruit age has a major effect on the estimation of A. guerreronis densities, (2) fruits of different ages should be analyzed separately, and (3) regular evaluation of infestation levels should be done preferably on fruits of about 3-4 months old, which show the highest densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Silva Guimarães Sousa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produção Vegetal (PPGPV), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, Bahia, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Poliane Sá Argolo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produção Vegetal (PPGPV), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, Bahia, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Manoel Guedes Correa Gondim
- Departamento de Agronomia, Área de Fitossanidade, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Gilberto José de Moraes
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ - USP), Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Anibal Ramadan Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produção Vegetal (PPGPV), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, Bahia, 45662-900, Brazil.
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Lima DB, Oliveira HKV, Melo JWS, Gondim MGC, Sabelis M, Pallini A, Janssen A. Predator performance is impaired by the presence of a second prey species. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2017; 107:313-321. [PMID: 27819202 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316000900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The simultaneous infestation of a plant by several species of herbivores may affect the attractiveness of plants to the natural enemies of one of the herbivores. We studied the effect of coconut fruits infested by the pests Aceria guerreronis and Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, which are generally found together under the coconut perianth. The predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki produced lower numbers of offspring on fruits infested with S. concavuscutum and on fruits infested with both prey than on fruits with A. guerreronis only. The predators were attracted by odours emanating from coconuts with A. guerreronis, but not by odours from coconuts with S. concavuscutum, even when A. guerreronis were present on the same fruit. Fewer N. baraki were recaptured on fruits with both prey or with S. concavuscutum than on fruits with only A. guerreronis. Furthermore, the quality of A. guerreronis from singly and multiply infested coconuts as food for N. baraki did not differ. Concluding, our results suggest that N. baraki does not perform well when S. concavuscutum is present on the coconuts, and the control of A. guerreronis by N. baraki may be negatively affected by the presence of S. concavuscutum.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Lima
- Department of Agronomy - Entomology,Federal Rural University of Pernambuco,Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n,Dois Irmãos,52171-900 Recife, PE,Brazil
| | - H K V Oliveira
- Department of Agronomy - Entomology,Federal Rural University of Pernambuco,Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n,Dois Irmãos,52171-900 Recife, PE,Brazil
| | - J W S Melo
- Department of Fitotecnia,Federal University of Ceará,Fortaleza, CE,Brazil
| | - M G C Gondim
- Department of Agronomy - Entomology,Federal Rural University of Pernambuco,Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n,Dois Irmãos,52171-900 Recife, PE,Brazil
| | - M Sabelis
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics,University of Amsterdam,Science Park 904,1098 XH Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - A Pallini
- Department of Entomology,Federal University of Viçosa,Campus Universitário, 36570-000,Viçosa, MG,Brazil
| | - A Janssen
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics,University of Amsterdam,Science Park 904,1098 XH Amsterdam,The Netherlands
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Oliveira NNFC, Galvão AS, Amaral EA, Santos AWO, Sena-Filho JG, Oliveira EE, Teodoro AV. Toxicity of vegetable oils to the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis and selectivity against the predator Neoseiulus baraki. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 72:23-34. [PMID: 28493037 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae), is a major tropical pest of coconut. Here, we assessed the chemical profiles and the potential use of babassu, degummed soybean, and coconut oils to control A. guerreronis as well as their side-effects on the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a key natural enemy of the coconut mite. Babassu and coconut oils had similar fatty acids chemical profiles. All vegetable oils showed toxicity to A. guerreronis; degummed soybean oil exhibited the highest toxicity (LC50 = 0.15 µL/cm2). Although all oils were less toxic to N. baraki, their potential to attract/repel this predatory mite differed. Whereas N. baraki females were unresponsive to coconut oil at both concentrations (i.e., LC50 and LC99 estimated for A. guerreronis), irrespective of exposure period (i.e., 1 or 24 h), the babassu oil repelled the predator, independent of exposure period, when applied at its LC99 (1.48 µL/cm2). Intriguingly, this oil also exhibited attractiveness to N. baraki 24 h after exposure when applied at its LC50 (0.26 µL/cm2). A similar attractiveness pattern was recorded 24 h after N. baraki was exposed to degummed soybean oil at both concentrations tested (LC50 = 0.15 µL/cm2; LC99 = 1.39 µL/cm2). However, N. baraki was repelled by degummed soybean oil at its LC50 after 1 h of exposure. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that all the vegetable oils used here had higher toxicity to the coconut mite and considerable selectivity to the predator N. baraki, indicating they are promising tools that can potentially be included in management programs to control A. guerreronis in commercial coconut plantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália N F C Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Agroecologia, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65054-970, Brazil
| | - Andreia S Galvão
- Instituto Federal do Maranhão, Campus São Luís-Maracanã, Av. Curiós, s/n, Caixa Postal 433, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Ester A Amaral
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65054-970, Brazil
| | - Auderes W O Santos
- Instituto Federal do Maranhão, Campus Barreirinhas-Santa Cruz, Barreirinhas, MA, 65590-000, Brazil
| | - José G Sena-Filho
- Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Av. Beira mar, 3250, Aracaju, SE, 49025-040, Brazil
| | - Eugenio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Adenir V Teodoro
- Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Av. Beira mar, 3250, Aracaju, SE, 49025-040, Brazil.
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de Sena Filho JG, Barreto IC, Soares Filho AO, Nogueira PCL, Teodoro AV, Cruz da Silva AV, Xavier HS, Rabbani ARC, Spakowicz DJ, Duringer JM. Volatile Metabolomic Composition of Vitex Species: Chemodiversity Insights and Acaricidal Activity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1931. [PMID: 29184560 PMCID: PMC5694497 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Vitex genus (Lamiaceae) produces a plethora of metabolites that include ecdysteroids and terpenoids, some of which have demonstrated insect repellent properties. The volatile composition of several members of this genus has not been chemically defined, as many taxa are endemic to remote ecosystems. In this study, leaves were collected from the northeast of Brazil from Vitex capitata, V. megapotamica, V. gardneriana, and V. rufescens plants and examined for their chemical profile via GC-MS/FID of essential oil extracts. The analyses showed a diversity of terpenoids. Of particular note were seven-member ring sesquiterpenes which were present in great abundance; a dendrogram showed clades separating by the production of bicyclogermacrene, aromadendrane and 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids for the four species. Comparison of volatile metabolite profiles to 13 other Vitex species showed strong similarities in the production of some monoterpenes, but varied by their production of larger terpenes, especially those with gem-dimethylcyclopropyl subunits on seven-member ring compounds. From this work, we suggest that the sesquiterpene skeleton with seven member rings is a good chemosystematic biomarker candidate for the Vitex genus. Separation using this biomarker was then validated using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat profiling. Lastly, experiments examining the toxicity of these four oils against the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis showed that only the oil of V. gardneriana had strong acaricidal activity, with an LC50 of 0.85 mg/mL, thus demonstrating its potential for use as a natural pesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G. de Sena Filho
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária – EMBRAPA Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Ighor C. Barreto
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária – EMBRAPA Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Avaldo O. Soares Filho
- Herbário HUESBVC, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Conquista, Brazil
| | - Paulo C. L. Nogueira
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Química Orgânica de Sergipe, Departamento de Química – CCET, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Adenir V. Teodoro
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária – EMBRAPA Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Ana V. Cruz da Silva
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária – EMBRAPA Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Haroudo S. Xavier
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Allívia R. C. Rabbani
- Bahia Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology – IFBA, Porto Seguro, Brazil
| | - Daniel J. Spakowicz
- Program in Comparative Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Duringer
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Jennifer M. Duringer,
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Arunachalam V, Rajesh MK. Coconut Genetic Diversity, Conservation and Utilization. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND BIODIVERSITY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66426-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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14
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Lima DB, Melo JWS, Gondim MGC, Guedes RNC, Oliveira JEM. Population-level effects of abamectin, azadirachtin and fenpyroximate on the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 70:165-177. [PMID: 27495808 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The coconut production system, in which the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis is considered a key pest, provides an interesting model for integration of biological and chemical control. In Brazil, the most promising biological control agent for the coconut mite is the phytoseiid predator Neoseiulus baraki. However, acaricides are widely used to control the coconut mite, although they frequently produce unsatisfactory results. In this study, we evaluated the simultaneous direct effect of dry residue contact and contaminated prey ingestion of the main acaricides used on coconut palms (i.e., abamectin, azadirachtin and fenpyroximate) on life-history traits of N. baraki and their offspring. These acaricides are registered, recommended and widely used against A. guerreronis in Brazil, and they were tested at their label rates. The offspring of the exposed predators was also evaluated by estimating the instantaneous rate of population increase (r i ). Abamectin compromised female performance, whereas fenpyroximate did not affect the exposed females (F0). Nonetheless, fenpyroximate strongly compromised the offspring (F1) net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of population growth (r i ), and doubling time (DT). In contrast, fenpyroximate did not have such effects on the 2nd generation (F2) of predators with acaricide-exposed grandparents. Azadirachtin did not affect the predators, suggesting that this acaricide can be used in association with biological control by this predatory species. In contrast, the use of abamectin and fenpyroximate is likely to lead to adverse consequences in the biological control of A. guerreronis using N. baraki.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora B Lima
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
- Departamento de Agronomia (Fitossanidade), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Bairro Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52.171-900, Brazil.
| | - José W S Melo
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Manoel G C Gondim
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Raul N C Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, MG, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - José E M Oliveira
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Embrapa Semiárido, Petrolina, PE, 56302-970, Brazil
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15
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Rezende D, Melo JWS, Oliveira JEM, Gondim MGC. Estimated crop loss due to coconut mite and financial analysis of controlling the pest using the acaricide abamectin. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 69:297-310. [PMID: 27059867 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the losses caused by Aceria guerreronis Keifer has been an arduous task for farmers. However, there are no detailed studies on losses that simultaneously analyse correlated parameters, and very few studies that address the economic viability of chemical control, the main strategy for managing this pest. In this study the objectives were (1) to estimate the crop loss due to coconut mite and (2) to perform a financial analysis of acaricide application to control the pest. For this, the following parameters were evaluated: number and weight of fruits, liquid albumen volume, and market destination of plants with and without monthly abamectin spraying (three harvests). The costs involved in the chemical control of A. guerreronis were also quantified. Higher A. guerreronis incidence on plants resulted in a 60 % decrease in the mean number of fruits harvested per bunch and a 28 % decrease in liquid albumen volume. Mean fruit weight remained unaffected. The market destination of the harvested fruit was also affected by higher A. guerreronis incidence. Untreated plants, with higher A. guerreronis infestation intensity, produced a lower proportion of fruit intended for fresh market and higher proportions of non-marketable fruit and fruit intended for industrial processing. Despite the costs involved in controlling A. guerreronis, the difference between the profit from the treated site and the untreated site was 18,123.50 Brazilian Real; this value represents 69.1 % higher profit at the treated site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rezende
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia Agrícola, Departamento de Agronomia/Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - José W S Melo
- Departamento de Fitotecnia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará - Campus do Pici, Avenida Mister Hull, n 2977, Bloco 805, Sala 215, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60356-000, Brazil.
| | - José E M Oliveira
- Embrapa Semiárido, Entomologia, Br 428 km 152, Caixa Postal 23, Petrolina, PE, 56302-970, Brazil
| | - Manoel G C Gondim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia Agrícola, Departamento de Agronomia/Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
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Rezende D, Navia D, Mendonça RS, Melo JWS, Gondim MGC. The predatory mite Neoseiulus paspalivorus (Phytoseiidae) in Brazil: taxonomic status, reproductive compatibility and morphological and molecular variability. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 67:547-564. [PMID: 26459378 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The predatory mite Neoseiulus paspalivorus (De Leon) is often found in association with the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer. The identification of natural enemies is essential for the definition of biological control strategies. Therefore, the present study aimed to confirm whether the mite populations from different Northeastern Brazilian states identified as N. paspalivorus belong to the same species. This determination was accomplished through the study of morphometric variability in 33 anatomical characters and of molecular variability in two DNA fragments: Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA. This study also determined whether there is reproductive isolation between the two most morphologically distinct populations (Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba). Intraspecific morphometric variability was observed among the five populations of N. paspalivorus. Despite this variability, the crosses and backcrosses of the most morphologically distinct populations did not show reproductive incompatibility. The molecular analysis indicated the absence of genetic differences among the N. paspalivorus populations for the ITS fragment. Three haplotypes were identified for the COI fragment, and the genetic distance ranged from 0 to 0.2 %. Despite the morphometric differences, the results of the molecular and biological analysis corroborate the previous identification of N. paspalivorus for all of the studied populations. The present study contributes to the systematics of Phytoseiidae predatory mites and to the biological control of A. guerreronis by the accurate identification and characterization of one of its main natural enemies along extensive areas in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rezende
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia Agrícola, Departamento de Agronomia/Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Denise Navia
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Parque Estação Biológica, final Av. W5 Norte, s/No., Asa Norte, Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-900, Brazil
| | - Renata S Mendonça
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Parque Estação Biológica, final Av. W5 Norte, s/No., Asa Norte, Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-900, Brazil
| | - José W S Melo
- Departamento de Fitotecnia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Avenida Mister Hull, n 2977, Bloco 805, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, CE, 60356-000, Brazil
| | - Manoel G C Gondim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia Agrícola, Departamento de Agronomia/Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
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Melo JWS, Lima DB, Staudacher H, Silva FR, Gondim MGC, Sabelis MW. Evidence of Amblyseius largoensis and Euseius alatus as biological control agent of Aceria guerreronis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 67:411-421. [PMID: 26255279 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9963-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Euseius alatus De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are predatory mites that are mostly found on leaves and on the exposed fruit surface of coconut plants. Their morphology hampers the access to the microhabitat occupied by Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), the most important pest of coconut fruits throughout the world. However, it was suggested that they can prey on A. guerreronis under natural conditions when this pest leaves its refuge to disperse. Since the trophic interactions between A. largoensis or E. alatus and A. guerreronis are unknown, we compare the frequencies of occurrence of A. largoensis and E. alatus under the bracts of coconut fruits and on coconut leaflets. In addition, because phytoseiids feed by liquid ingestion, we used molecular analysis to confirm the potential role of A. largoensis or E. alatus as predators of A. guerreronis and to assess how fast the A. guerreronis DNA fragment is degradated in the A. largoensis digestive tract. Our study demonstrated that E. alatus was only present on coconut leaflets whereas A. largoensis was found mostly on leaflets and, to a much lesser extent, under the bracts of coconuts. Species-specific ITS primers designed for A. guerreronis were shown to have a high degree of specificity for A. guerreronis DNA and did not produce any PCR product from DNA templates of the other insects and mites associated with the coconut agroecosystem. Based on molecular analysis, we confirmed that the predatory mites, A. largoensis and E. alatus, had preyed on the coconut mite in the field. Overall the predatory mites collected in the field exhibited low levels of predation (26.7% of A. largoensis and 8.9% of E. alatus tested positive for A. guerreronis DNA). The fragment of A. guerreronis DNA remained intact for a very short time (no more than 6 h after feeding) in the digestive tract of A. largoensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W S Melo
- Departamento de Fitotecnia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará - Campus do Pici, Avenida Mister Hull, n 2977, Bloco 805, Sala 215, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60356-000, Brazil.
| | - D B Lima
- Depto. Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - H Staudacher
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F R Silva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M G C Gondim
- Depto. Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - M W Sabelis
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Skoracka A, Magalhães S, Rector BG, Kuczyński L. Cryptic speciation in the Acari: a function of species lifestyles or our ability to separate species? EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 67:165-82. [PMID: 26209969 PMCID: PMC4559570 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9954-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
There are approximately 55,000 described Acari species, accounting for almost half of all known Arachnida species, but total estimated Acari diversity is reckoned to be far greater. One important source of currently hidden Acari diversity is cryptic speciation, which poses challenges to taxonomists documenting biodiversity assessment as well as to researchers in medicine and agriculture. In this review, we revisit the subject of biodiversity in the Acari and investigate what is currently known about cryptic species within this group. Based on a thorough literature search, we show that the probability of occurrence of cryptic species is mainly related to the number of attempts made to detect them. The use of, both, DNA tools and bioassays significantly increased the probability of cryptic species detection. We did not confirm the generally-accepted idea that species lifestyle (i.e. free-living vs. symbiotic) affects the number of cryptic species. To increase detection of cryptic lineages and to understand the processes leading to cryptic speciation in Acari, integrative approaches including multivariate morphometrics, molecular tools, crossing, ecological assays, intensive sampling, and experimental evolution are recommended. We conclude that there is a demonstrable need for future investigations focusing on potentially hidden mite and tick species and addressing evolutionary mechanisms behind cryptic speciation within Acari.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Skoracka
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland,
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19
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Melo JWS, Lima DB, Sabelis MW, Pallini A, Gondim MGC. Host finding behaviour of the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2014; 64:445-454. [PMID: 25033768 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9834-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
For the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, its host plant, the coconut palm, is not merely a source of food, but more generally a habitat to live in for several generations. For these minute organisms, finding a new plant is difficult and risky, especially because their main mode of dispersal is passive drifting with the wind and because they are highly specialized on their host plant. Consequently, the probability of landing on a suitable host is very low, let alone to land in their specific microhabitat within the host. How coconut mites manage to find their microhabitat within a host plant is still underexplored. We tested the hypothesis that they use volatile chemical information emanating from the plant to find a specific site within their host plants and/or use non-volatile plant chemicals to stay at a profitable site on the plant. This was investigated in a Y-tube olfactometer (i.e. under conditions of a directed wind flow) and on cross-shaped arenas (i.e. under conditions of turbulent air) that either allowed contact with odour sources or not. The mites had to choose between odours from specific parts (leaflet, spikelet or fruit) of a non-infested coconut plant and clean air as the alternative. In the olfactometer experiments, no mites were found to reach the upwind end of the Y-tube: <5 % of the mites were able to pass the bifurcation of the "Y". On the cross-shaped arenas, however, a large number of coconut mites was found only when the arm of the arena contained discs of fruit epidermis and contact with these discs was allowed. The results suggest that coconut mites on palm trees are not attracted to specific sites on the plant by volatile plant chemicals, but that they arrested once they contact the substrate of specific sites. Possibly, they perceive non-volatile chemicals, but these remain to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W S Melo
- Depto. Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil,
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Shen TJ, Kuo CC, Wang CF, Huang KW. Delimitation of a continuous morphological character with unknown prior membership: application of a finite mixture model to classify scapular setae of Abacarus panticis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2014; 63:361-375. [PMID: 24647799 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Unambiguous classification is a prerequisite for the study of polymorphism, but accurate delimitation of continuous morphological characters can be challenging. Finite mixture modeling is a rigorous and flexible approach for delimiting continuous variables with unknown prior membership, but its application to morphological studies remains limited. In this study, the lengths of scapular setae of the eriophyoid mite Abacarus panticis Keifer collected from 18 sites in Taiwan were used as an example to evaluate the eligibility of finite mixture models. We then tested the hypothesis that longer scapular setae can facilitate dispersal. Lastly, we investigate morphological variation in various seta morphs by geometric morphometric techniques. Finite mixture models can satisfactorily classify scapular setae of A. panticis into long and short seta morphs. Abacarus panticis of the long morph only occurred in five sites whereas the short seta morph existed in all study sites. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed a more elongated coxal area in individuals of long morph than in those of short morph. Because the short morph is more widespread in geographical distribution than the long morph, longer scapular setae seem unlikely a specialized adaptation for dispersal. Further studies should capitalize on the finite mixture model in the delimitation of continuous morphological characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Jen Shen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Institute of Statistics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
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da Silva RV, Narita JPZ, Vichitbandha P, Chandrapatya A, Konvipasruang P, Kongchuensin M, Moraes GJD. Prospection for predatory mites to control coconut pest mites in Thailand, with taxonomic descriptions of collected Mesostigmata (Acari). J NAT HIST 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2013.839842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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