Effect of different densities of the twospotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae on CO2 assimilation, transpiration, and stomatal behaviour in rose leaves.

Abstract

The effect of population density of Tetranychus urticae Koch on CO2 assimilation, transpiration and stomatal behaviour in rose leaves and on the diameter and length of stems and flower buds was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The investigation was performed in order to gain more insight into integrated control systems in rose crops grown under greenhouse conditions. Physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as stomatal behaviour and chlorophyll content, were studied as they form part of the plant's nutrition mechanism and therefore affect the quantity and quality of the flowers. Information related to the effect of spider mite population density on bloom quality, diameter and length of stems and flower buds was also collected. The data indicate that increased mite density coincides with a decrease in the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration and chlorophyll content. Higher mite densities on leaves cause stomata to remain open for longer periods, which allows a greater loss of water. Spider mite densities of 10 and 50 mites per leaf cause a reduction in flower stem length of 17 and 26%, respectively, as compared to plants with no mites present.