European Red Mite Research Articles

Tetranychus urticae Koch Biology on Apple Trees

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is a polyphagous arthropod herbivore that consumes over 1,100 plant species from 140 distinct plant families, including those producing harmful chemicals in temperate and tropical climates. It is an important pest in greenhouse and field cultivation, causing damage to various crops such as citrus, apples, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, maize, and soy. T. urticae ability to spread over agricultural fields and adapt to environmental stressors is linked to its high propensity for mutation, leading to the highest frequency of pesticide resistance among arthropods. The genetic diversity of T. urticae gathered from apple orchards throughout Poland has been studied to investigate potential correlations between molecular variations and the occurrence of resistance to METI-acaricides. Research has shown that an abundance of leaf pubescence on the abaxial leaf surface adversely affects the development of European red mite, two-spotted spider mite, and carmine spider mite. However, due to variations in leaf sizes, tree canopy, tree ages, and the existence of natural enemies, it is impossible to compare data gathered due to variations in leaf sizes, tree canopy, tree ages, and the presence of natural enemies. Pesticide treatments negatively impact fruit plantations' ecosystems, devastating biodiversity, altering the makeup and structure of arthropod populations, and promoting mass reproduction of phytophage mites by displacing certain species with others. The most extensive research has been done on the common spider mite's development of resistance to avermectin group preparations, with some studies showing resistance to multiple acaricides.

Influence of abiotic factors on diapause termination and temperature requirements for postdiapause development in the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae).

The European red mite Panonychus ulmi (Koch) is widely distributed and it can severely affect pome fruit crops, particularly apple. Pest outbreaks are related to an overuse of non-selective pesticide treatments that lead to the development of resistance and the absence of natural enemies in the orchard. A key aspect to optimize the use of pesticide treatments in the context of IPM is to increase the knowledge on the biology and ecology of the pest to better predict population dynamics and outbreaks. For the European red mite, knowledge on the conditions that lead to diapause breaking by winter eggs is essential to model population dynamics. To increase this knowledge, winter eggs were collected during field surveys in northen Spain during three years and egg hatching was monitored under controlled temperature and photoperiod conditions in the laboratory. The "number of days exposed to cold temperatures" was the most significant factor that positively affected hatching of overwintering eggs. The time required for 50% of the egg population to hatch (T50%) was also negatively modulated by the duration of exposure to cold temperature. The temperature threshold for postdiapause eggs development collected from the field was estimated between 5 and 6 ºC in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Moreover, the degree-days required for post diapause development were estimated between 263.2 and 270.3, depending on the year of collection. Collectively, we provide additional information on the diapause termination and postdiapause development of the European red mite that may effectively contribute to optimize pest population models.

Studies on Potential Pests of Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach) in Latvia

Abstract The objective of this research was to study potential pests of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) plantations in Latvia. Studies were carried out in eight plantations during 2017–2019. Major pests that would regularly cause significant yield losses for this plant were not observed. Black-veined white (Aporia crataegi) was considered a local pest, mass outbreaks of which can occur in individual plantations and cause significant losses of plant foliage. Four species were considered minor pests: garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola), yellow-banded weevil (Chlorophanus viridis), silver-green weevil (Phyllobius argentatus) and copse snail (Arianta arbustorum); they are also pests of plant foliage. The European red spider mite (Panonychus ulmi) was not considered as a pest of Japanese quince. A small population was observed in summers only in one plantation, which was located next to a heavily infested orchard. Overwintering eggs were not found on the plants in any year, and we concluded that the species was an accidental immigrant in this plantation. No aphid (Aphididae) colonies were observed on the quince plants. Monitoring and evaluation of potential harmfulness of four tortrix moths – large fruit-tree tortrix (Archips podana), rose tortrix (Archips rosana), codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and holly tortrix (Rhopobota naevana) – was done. It was concluded that rose tortrix is a minor fruit pest, but the other three species were not yet considered pests of Japanese quince. Significant pests of quince flowers and fruits were not detected in our study.

Management of the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae) in apple orchards of North Western Himalayan region of India

ABSTRACTThe European red mite, Panonychus ulmi, has emerged as a serious pest in apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh, India. Therefore, the present studies were conducted to use a combination of reduced dose of synthetic acaricidal concentrations along with Horticultural Mineral Oil (@ 1%) and (@ 0.5%). Results showed that the combination treatments [half concentration of the recommended acaricide (fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, spiromesifen and hexythiazox)] and Horticulture Mineral Oil (@ 1%) reduced the mite population to 1.33 mites per leaf in comparison to 37.30 mites per leaf in control. When both the acaricides and Horticulture Mineral Oil were reduced to half, the mite population was reduced to 2.33 mites per leaf, whereas the infestation in control was 22.65 mites per leaf. Further, the evaluation of the combination of hexythiazox (0.005%) + HMO (1%) was evaluated with biopesticides and popularly used acaricides under high-density apple plantation. The results revealed propargite (0.057%) as the most effective treatment being at par with hexythiazox (0.005%) + HMO 1% (1.25 and 1.45 mites/leaf, respectively). The entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (2.40 and 2.55 mites/leaf, respectively) were quite effective in reducing the mite population. Among all the treatments, hexythiazox 0.005% (13.10 mites/leaf) was the least effective treatment.

Management of Panonychus ulmi with Various Miticides and Insecticides and Their Toxicity to Predatory Mites Conserved for Biological Mite Control in Eastern U.S. Apple Orchards

Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae), commonly known as European red mite, is a polyphagous pest of various tree and small fruit crops, including apples. A field study was conducted to evaluate different pesticide options available for the management of P. ulmi, and their impact on the population of non-target predatory mite species complex consisting of Neoseiulus fallacis, Typhlodromus pyri, and Zetzellia mali in apple orchards. Pesticides were applied using a commercial airblast sprayer at the 3-5 mite/leaf recommended economic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) threshold or prophylactically in the spring ignoring IPM practices such as monitoring, reliance on biological control and economic thresholds. Effects on the motile and egg stages of P. ulmi were evaluated as were effects on the populations of predatory mites through frequent leaf counts during the season. We also recorded the subsequent overwintering eggs of P. ulmi from each pesticide treatment. The two prophylactic treatments containing a mixture of zeta-cypermethrin + avermectin B1 + 1% horticultural oil and abamectin + 1% horticultural oil provided effective control of P. ulmi population throughout the season without reducing predatory mite populations. In contrast, eight treatments applied at the recommended economic threshold of 3-5 mites/leaf were not effective in suppressing P. ulmi populations and most reduced predatory mites. Etoxazole had significantly higher number of overwintering P. ulmi eggs compared to all other treatments.

Control of European red mite in apple, 2022

Control of European red mite in apple, 2022

New Approaches for Controlling the European Red Mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch) in Relation to Population Dynamics on Apple trees

New Approaches for Controlling the European Red Mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch) in Relation to Population Dynamics on Apple trees

Biological Control Methods for Agricultural Mites: A Review

Agriculture is the most important economic activity around the world with its contributions reflected by its share in the gross domestic product of countries. It ensures food security, provides raw materials for many industries and employment opportunities. Today, pest and diseases are among the main challenges plaguing the agricultural sector. More specifically, phytophagous mites are devastating many economically important crops worldwide. Tetranychus urticae Koch (Two-spotted spider mites), Raoiella indica Hirst, (red palm mites), Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (broad mites) and Panonychus ulmi Koch (European red mites) are widely known for their extensive damage to crops. To control these mites, farmers have incorporated the use of pesticides into their farming systems. However, chemical control comes with many problems such as insect resistance, detrimental environmental effects and various human health implications. As such biological control is an environmentally friendly alternative that uses bio-control agents such as predators, pathogens and parasitoids to control pests. In this review, it was found that predators and pathogens were the most widely used biocontrol agents, specifically, the Amblyseius spp. Berlese were most effective and widely documented. The available literature also suggests that for successful control of agricultural mites via biological control, there needs to be a clear understanding of the behaviors of these mites and the bio-control agents used.

Efficacy of mineral oils against San Jose scale and European red mite on apple

Field efficacy of horticulture mineral oil Rilso 999 and MAK All Season at different concentrations were evaluated at two locations i.e., Lar (District Ganderbal) and Hajin (District Bandipora) of J&K during 2017 and 2018, all the treatments were significantly superior in terms of mortality of San Jose scale Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) (SJS) and European red mite (ERM) Panonychus ulmi (Koch) as compared to untreated control. The cumulative mean mortality of SJS (58.08% and 62.20%) and ERM (58.69% and 53.65%) at recommended dose of 7.5 ml/ l of water both for standard check (MAK All Season) and Rilso999, respectively. Maximum (27.14 and 19.63 %) cumulative mortality of Amblyseius spp. and Coccinellids were recorded with Rilso999@ 10 ml/ l of water, respectively. No phytotoxicity symptoms viz., leaf injury, yellowing, wilting, necrosis, hyponasty and epinasty were observed with Rilso999 at 15 ml/ l of water. Maximum yield (246.16 kg/tree) was attained with MAK (standard check) @7.5 ml/ l of water.

Biological control and field evaluation of the predatory mite, Typhlodromus setubali Dosse (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in apple orchards

BackgroundTyphlodromus setubali Dosse (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is an indigenous predatory mite in Morocco. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy, through 3 release rates on 2 apple varieties, namely Skarlet and Golden delicious, with different initial densities of the European red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae).ResultsThe efficacy of the predator was significantly influenced by the initial P. ulmi density. Furthermore, the release rate of 50 individuals/tree did not provide effective control of P. ulmi. When it was released at 100 and 200 individuals per tree, T. setubali maintained the P. ulmi population below the economic threshold of 5 motile stages per leaf.ConclusionsWhen the initial P. ulmi density is above the economic threshold, the lower release rate of T. setubali must be applied with high frequency or conciliated with a selective miticide treatment at a suitable dose for a successful biological control program. Further field-based studies are needed for perfect conclusions.

Control of European Red Mites in Apple, 2021

Control of European Red Mites in Apple, 2021

Acaricide resistance in Panonychus citri and P. ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae): Molecular mechanisms and management implications

The European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), and the citrus red mite, P. citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), are destructive mite pests in pome/stone fruit orchards and citrus groves, respectively, the management of these two spider mites species has relied largely on the use of synthetic acaricides. However, frequent, long-term use of acaricides has caused rapid development of resistance in P. ulmi and P. citri populations worldwide. Levels of resistance in P. ulmi and P. citri are exceeded only by that in the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Recent research on T. urticae has provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of acaricide resistance. The molecular basis of resistance in P. ulmi and P. citri populations has been less thoroughly studied. In this brief review, the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic resistance of P. ulmi and P. citri to acaricides, as well as implications of the findings for the resistance management, are discussed.

Population growth performance of Panonychus ulmi Koch (Acarina: Tetranychidae) on different fruit trees

The European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important pest species on deciduous plants in Turkey, especially on apple. In this study, development, survival, and reproduction of European red mite, P. ulmi were studied on different host plants under laboratory conditions (25±2 °C,% 60±10 RH and16:8 L:D photoperiod). Population performance of P. ulmi was obtained on its different host plants including apple (Malus communis L.), quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), cherry (Prunus avium L.), and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L). The life history raw data of P. ulmi were analyzed by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. Results indicated that the highest net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase as well as the longest mean generation time, were obtained on apple cv. Starking delicious. The population projection simulated by using life tables based on the 0.025th and 0.975th bootstrap results of the finite rate of increase displayed the same trend with population growth parameters. Results suggested that apple cv. Starking Delicious was the favorable host for P. ulmi, however, there is potential for the pest to become a serious pest on other host plants tested under favorable conditions.

Field evaluation of summer spray oils against European Red mite and San Jose scale on apple

Field evaluation of summer spray oils against European Red mite and San Jose scale on apple

Faktori i mehanizmi rezistentnosti na akaricide kod crvenog paučinara (Panonychus ulmi Koch)

Inadequate choice and application of control measures for agricultural pests, ectoparasites of livestock and domestic animals, vectors and reservoirs of various diseases of human medicine and veterinary importance in urban areas has caused the resistance occurrence and cross-resistance in a large number of arthropods. Their control is becoming increasingly difficult and challenging. For example, the use of acaricides is indispensable in the control of European red mite (Panonychus ulmi, Acari: Tetranychide), but also for other species from this family that are all significant pests in agricultural production, horticulture and forestry. The resistance occurrence and maintenance and cross-resistance in arthropods is a global phenomenon. The aim of this paper was to present the resistance factors and mechanisms in Panonychus ulmi control and to list the active substances for which there was an evidence that resistance has been acquired, all with the goal of pointing out the problem of resistance in this species and highlight the ways to prevent it. The occurrence and evolution of resistant arthropod populations could have multiple consequences that can be observed from an agricultural, economic, health, and environmental perspective.

Fenpyroximate resistance in Iranian populations of the European red mite Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae).

The European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), is one of the most important apple orchard pests worldwide. Fenpyroximate, a mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor of complex I (METI-I), is a commonly used acaricide to control this pest. In this study, we determined fenpyroximate resistance levels for 11 P. ulmi populations from Iran and a spirodiclofen-resistant strain from Germany (PSR-TK). The LC50 values ranged between 121.8 and 5713.9mg a.i. L-1 and the highest resistance ratio (RR) was 47-fold for the Padena population. PBO, TPP and DEM synergist ratios (SRs) were the highest for the PSR-TK (SR = 6.7), Shahin Dej (SR = 6.1) and Semirom3 (SR = 3.6) populations, respectively. In vitro enzyme activity measurements also showed that there was a higher glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activity in the PSR-TK and Shahin Dej population compared to the most susceptible populations, whereas the esterase and P450 monooxygenase activity were not significantly higher in the resistant populations. Last, we screened all populations for the presence of two mutations previously associated with METI-I resistance in spider mites but none of these mutations could be detected. To conclude, moderate to high levels of fenpyroximate resistance were observed in P. ulmi populations from Iran, with increased detoxification most likely underlying fenpyroximate resistance.

Metabolic mechanisms of resistance to spirodiclofen and spiromesifen in Iranian populations of Panonychus ulmi

The European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), is one of the major pests of apple trees worldwide. Cyclic keto-enol compounds such as spirodiclofen and spiromesifen are frequently used to control phytophagous spider mites in agricultural crops, including P. ulmi on apple trees. Spider mites, however, can rapidly develop resistance against acaricides and, in this study, multiple P. ulmi populations from apple orchards in Iran were monitored for spirodiclofen and spiromesifen resistance. The Urmia and Shahin Dej population showed the highest spirodiclofen resistance ratio (more than 150-fold) compared to the susceptible Ahar population. Toxicity bioassays also revealed the presence of moderate cross-resistance between spiromesifen and spirodiclofen, but not towards the chitin synthase inhibitor etoxazole. As a first step towards elucidating spirodiclofen resistance mechanisms, the role of detoxification enzymes (cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, carboxyl/choline esterases and glutathione S-transferases) was investigated by in vivo synergism and in vitro enzyme assays. PBO pretreatment synergized spirodiclofen toxicity in the populations of Urmia and Shahin Dej to a higher extent than in the susceptible Ahar population. Furthermore, enzyme activity measurements showed relatively higher activity of detoxifying enzymes in the resistant populations. In conclusion, increased detoxification is most likely underlying spirodiclofen resistance and results in limited cross-resistance to spiromesifen.

Efficacy of fenpyroximate (METI acaricides) in the control of fruit tree European red mite (Panonychus ulmi, Koch) in selected apple orchards in Poland

Efficacy of fenpyroximate (METI acaricides) in the control of fruit tree European red mite (Panonychus ulmi, Koch) in selected apple orchards in Poland

An investigation of cross-reactivity between the poultry red mite and house dust and storage mites in dogs with contact with chickens infested with red mites.

The European poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae, a common ectoparasite of laying chickens and pigeons; it also can feed on other birds, humans and domestic animals, causing clinical signs ranging from mild discomfort to severe dermatitis. Little is known about possible hypersensitivity to PRM or cross-sensitization with house dust or storage mites. Knowledge on possible PRM immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy and possible cross-sensitization with house dust and storage mites may facilitate the clinical approach. The aim herein was to clarify possible evidence of type I hypersensitivity to PRM in dogs and possible occurrence of cross-sensitization with house dust and storage mites. Sixteen dogs with chronic contact with PRM-infested chickens from traditional bird houses and 10 control dogs with no contact with birds. Dogs were subjected to intradermal testing (IDT) and serum specific IgE (sIgE) determination for house dust and storage mites and D.gallinae. The highest wheal score was obtained with 0.1mg/mL D. gallinae extract. Positive IDT reactions to PRM were found in four of 10 control dogs and in 10 of 16 from the chicken-exposed group. SIgE to PRM was detected in one control and in seven dogs exposed to chickens. No significant correlation was found between IDT or sIgE scores to PRM and house dust and storage mites. Contact with PRM-infested chickens may lead to sensitization without allergy, independently from sensitization to house dust and storage mites.

Characterization of abamectin resistance in Iranian populations of European red mite, Panonychus ulmi Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The European red mite, Panonychus ulmi Koch is one of the most important pests in apple orchards and was introduced to Iran by apple seedlings from Europe. The insecticide/acaricide abamectin for example has been used extensively against P. ulmi and some other pests in apple orchards. To evaluate abamectin resistance in field-collected populations of P. ulmi, 12 populations were collected from commercial apple orchards of East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, and Isfahan provinces. The abamectin toxicity was determined by a leaf disc spray method. The LC50 values of abamectin ranged from 0.11 mg a. i.L−1 to 5.50 mg a. i.L−1. All field populations were resistant to abamectin (RR ranged from 11- to 46-fold) in comparing with PSR-TK, a reference susceptible population for abamectin. The Mahabad population was identified as the most resistant population. The glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) are well-known target site of abamectin in mites and it was demonstrated that amino acid substitutions in GluCls can confer abamectin resistance. The partial channels PuGluCl1, PuGluCl2, and PuGluCl3 were sequenced in Mahabad population, but the previously reported point mutations associated with abamectin resistance in Tetranychus urticae Koch were not found. In contrast, the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO) significantly increased abamectin toxicity in Mahabad (synergistic ratio SR= 64), a moderately resistant population, and Shahin Dej (SR = 2) population. Also, pretreatment of triphenylphosphate (TPP) resulted in reduced LC50 values of abamectin in Shahin Dej (SR = 4.79) and Mahabad (SR = 8.91) populations. The second highest synergism ratio (SR = 22.13) against abamectin was observed in the resistant population of Mahabad with the glutathione S-transferase inhibitor diethylmaleate (DEM). Although quantification of activity of detoxification enzymes with model substrates did not support the role of detoxification enzymes, the synergism assays and the lack of target-site resistance suggested that multiple metabolic mechanisms are involved in abamectin resistance.