1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Calvet ÉC, Lima DB, Melo JWS, Gondim MGC. Chemosensory cues of predators and competitors influence search for refuge in fruit by the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 74:249-259. [PMID: 29488046 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Organisms are adapted to recognize environmental cues that can provide information about predation risk or competition. Non-vagrant eriophyoid mites mainly avoid predation by using habitats that are difficult for predators to access (galls or confined spaces in plants) such as the meristematic region of the coconut fruit, which is inhabited by the phytophagous mites Aceria guerreronis and Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum. The objective of this study was to investigate the response of A. guerreronis to cues from the predators Neoseiulus baraki and Amblyseius largoensis in coconut fruits, cues from conspecifics (A. guerreronis injured) and cues from the phytophage S. concavuscutum. The test was carried out through the release of about 300 A. guerreronis on coconut fruits previously treated with cues from predators, conspecific or heterospecific phytophagous. We also observed the walking behaviour of A. guerreronis exposed to the same chemical cues using a video tracking system. The infestation of fruits by A. guerreronis was greater in the presence of predator cues and reduced in the presence of S. concavuscutum cues, but cues from injured conspecifics did not interfere in the infestation process. In addition, the cues also altered the walking parameters of A. guerreronis: it walked more in response to cues from predators and the heterospecific phytophage. Aceria guerreronis spent more time in activity in the treatments with clues than in the control treatment. These results suggest that A. guerreronis recognizes cues from predators and competitors and modifies its behaviour to increase its fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Érica C Calvet
- Departamento de Agronomia (Fitossanidade), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Bairro Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Debora B Lima
- Departamento de Agronomia (Fitossanidade), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Bairro Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - José W S Melo
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Manoel G C Gondim
- Departamento de Agronomia (Fitossanidade), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Bairro Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|