New Data to the Knowledge of Calepitrimerus vitis Nalepa in the Vine-growing Region of Szekszárd, Hungary (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Abstract

The eriophyid mite Calepitrimerus vitis is a common pest in many vineyards in Hungary. Deutogynes (winter-form) of Calepitrimerus vitis in the vineyards of Szekszárd emerge from their overwintering sites in spring. Protogynes (summer-form) start to appear at the beginning of May, replacing deutogynes gradually. The process lasts until the end of May when the deutogynes disappear. The mite population increases slightly during the summer months. In August a rapid increase occurs. The maximum density of mites is reached at the middle of August or at the beginning of September, when the first deutogynes appear. The mite density declines in September rapidly and it is very low in October. The hibernation shelters are in the buds and at the cane base with the 2 year old wood. The most females are found at the cane base and in buds 1–4. In upper buds mite density gradually declines. A washing technique is described to estimate the population of Calepitrimerus vitis and useful for sampling of eriophyid mites either in summer or winter.