Examination of the Development of the Deutogynes of Calepitrimerus vitis Nalepa in the Vine-growing Region of Szekszárd, Hungary (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Abstract

The first winter-forms (deutogyne) of the eriophyid mite Calepitrimerus vitis appear in the vineyards of Szekszárd at the beginning of August and then the mites continuously take refuge in their hibernation shelters until end of October. Most winter-forms move to the buds during September. There is no connection between the moving period length and the yearly infection. In spite of the low mite population in the years with weak infestation (1999, 2001) the movement lasts the same late, until end of October. Ratio of the mites taking refuge in hibernation shelters is the best at the beginning of the moving period in August and it is decreasing continuously until October. Considering the directions of movement to the hibernation shelters, 74.7% of the mites seek for the hibernation shelters moved down and 25.3% of the mites moved up. A new method is described, useful for practical purposes in an effort to evaluate the number of mites moving towards their hibernation shelters.