Abstract
Apricot bud gall mite, Acalitus phloeocoptes (Nalepa), is a destructive arthropod pest that causes significant economic losses to apricot trees worldwide. The current study explores the ways to understand the mode of dispersal of A. phloeocoptes, the development and ultrastructure of apricot bud gall, and the role of phytohormones in the formation of the apricot bud galls. The results demonstrated that the starch granules in the bud axon were extended at the onset of the attack. During the later stages of the attack, the cytoplasm was found to deteriorate in infected tissues. Furthermore, we have observed that the accumulation of large amounts of cytokinin (zeatin, ZT) and auxin (indoleacetic acid, IAA) led to rapid bud proliferation during rapid growth period, while abscisic acid (ABA) controls the development of gall buds and plays a vital role in gall bud maturity. The reduction of gibberellic acid (GA3) content led to rapid lignification at the later phase of bud development. Overall, our results have revealed that the mechanism underlying the interaction of apricot bud gall with its parasite and have provided reliable information for designing valuable Apricot breeding programs. This study will be quite useful for pest management and will provide a comprehensive evaluation of ecology-based cost-effective control, life history and demographic parameters of A. phloeocoptes.
Highlights
A. phloeocoptes (Nalepa), is one of the most destructive pests found in apricot-producing regions worldwide, including central and southern Europe, the Mediterranean areas, North and South America, and East Asia [1]
We observed that apricot bud gall occurred more severely in densely planted orchards than those with wide spacing
Apricot bud gall infestation by A. phloeocoptes is complex, because of the causal organism and because the pests are localized in buds and have special dispersal mode
Summary
A. phloeocoptes (Nalepa), is one of the most destructive pests found in apricot-producing regions worldwide, including central and southern Europe, the Mediterranean areas, North and South America, and East Asia [1]. This pest was first reported in 1890 by Nalepa [2] as plum pest. The occurrence of apricot bud gall mites in China was reported in 1991 [3]. Later, it was identified as A. phloeocoptes by Kuang, 1995 [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
