Composition and abundance of mites (Arachnida: Acariformes: Parasitiformes) on Hancornia speciosa Gomes varieties

Abstract

ABSTRACT Studies on mites are essential in managing agroecosystems. Although they serve as hosts and food for phytophagous mites, native plants can also harbour predatory mites and other natural enemies that regulate phytophagous populations. As such, this study aimed to assess the occurrence of mites on four Hancornia speciosa varieties. Collections were made at the ex situ germplasm of the School of Agronomy, Federal University of Goiás, in Goiás State, Brazil. The speciosa s.str., cuyabensis, gardneri and pubescens mangabeira varieties were assessed, from January to December 2016. Two plants of each variety/block were randomly selected to assess the mites present. Thirty-six species were recorded, distributed into 25 genera and 12 families. Of the taxa sampled, 12 were identified up to species level. The families with the largest number of individuals were Tetranychidae, Phytoseiidae, Ceratozetidae and Tenuipalpidae. While the highest number of mites was found on the pubescens variety, gardneri hosted the largest abundance of predatory mites and pubescens the greatest richness of this mite group. The mangabeira harbours phytophagous species with a potential threat to agriculture, such as Tetranychus mexicanus, Brevipalpus yothersi and Polyphagotarsonemus latus