Population Fluctuations of Mites on Two Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Varieties in Three Suburbs of Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Tarek Abo-Elmaged,Sayed Eraky,Nazeh Abd El-Wahed,Abdel-Wahab Ali,Abdelgayed Abdelgayed

doi:10.21608/eajbsz.2021.193037

Abstract

Pomegranate, Punica granatumL.(Myrtales: Lythraceae), is one of the most important fruits in Egypt, especially in Assiut Governorate. However, little is known about mite fauna and their population ﬂuctuations in pomegranate orchards. In this study, the population fluctuations of two phytophagous mite species, Tenuipalpus punicae Pritchard & Baker (Acarida: Tenuipalpidae) and Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), and their associated phytoseiid predators, Euseius scutalis Athias-Henriot (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) and Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acarina: Phytoseiidae), were investigated in two pomegranate varieties (Assiuty and Manfalouty) from three cities that produce pomegranates in Assiut Governorate. Mites were monitored monthly for 2 years beginning in October 2018. Of the phytophagous mites, T. punicae was the main mite pest; its population numbers were highest between July and September in both study years. In contrast, O. punicae reached its highest density between May and August. Notably, the numbers of both predatory mite species, E. scutalis, and N. barkeri, were associated with the densities of their prey, i.e., the aforementioned phytophagous mites.

Highlights

Pomegranates, Punica granatum L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae), are liable to be infested with a variety of mite species, the most important of which is the pomegranate false spider mite, Tenuipalpus punicae Pritchard & Baker (Acarida: Tenuipalpidae), and the avocado brown mite, Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae)
The economic significance of this species has been lessened since its discovery due to the wide use of pesticides to control pomegranate pests (Döker et al, 2013)
The study was conducted in two pomegranate orchards planted with two varieties of pomegranates: Assiuty and Manfalouty

Summary

Introduction

Pomegranates, Punica granatum L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae), are liable to be infested with a variety of mite species, the most important of which is the pomegranate false spider mite, Tenuipalpus punicae Pritchard & Baker (Acarida: Tenuipalpidae), and the avocado brown mite, Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae). (Myrtales: Lythraceae), are liable to be infested with a variety of mite species, the most important of which is the pomegranate false spider mite, Tenuipalpus punicae Pritchard & Baker (Acarida: Tenuipalpidae), and the avocado brown mite, Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae). Tenuipalpus punicae is the most serious pomegranate pest in Egypt. It was first recorded by Sayed (1942, 1946) and subsequently by other researchers (e.g., Wafa et al, 1969; Zaher and Yousef 1972). The economic significance of this species has been lessened since its discovery due to the wide use of pesticides to control pomegranate pests (Döker et al, 2013). Oligonychus punicae is a tetranychid mite that, when present in large numbers, causes severe defoliation for several pomegranate and grapevine cultivars

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