Infestation of different garlic varieties by dry bulb mite Aceria tulipae (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Abstract

The intensity of garlic infestation by dry bulb mite Aceria tulipae (Keifer, 1938) was observed on different garlic varieties in central Moravia. The aim of this study was to determine infestation of different garlic varieties during storage in the winter period 2011–2012. Current studies on 11 garlic varieties from the Centre of the Region Haná at an altitude of 210 m showed high abundance of Aceria tulipae on 10 varieties. Bolting garlic varieties (Bzenecky Mutant VF, Sochi 25, Tiraspol, Zailijskij) were highly infested, non-bolting varieties (Czerga, SIR 10 new breeding, Gjirokaster) were infested weakly or not at all (Kelcyre). The highest abundance of mite was found out in semi-bolting garlic variety (Plovdiv Rogosh) with total number up to 1 500 individuals in one clove. Significant differences in infestation between external and internal part of the clove were observed in 4 of 11 evaluated varieties. Root segment was significantly the most infested part of the clove. The most resistant kinds to mite infestation were the Kelcyre, Gjirokaster and SIR 10 new breeding varieties. The highest mite introduction to inside cloves was observed in the Plovdiv Rogosh variety. The choice of suitable varieties can significantly eliminate occurrence of A. tulipae and their infestation.