Phytophagous Mites Research Articles

Mite fauna on transgenic soybean in an experimental station in western Bahia, Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify mite fauna associated with soybean crops and to report new species of the Monsoy 8349 IPRO variety in the municipality of Luís Eduardo Magalhães, western region of Bahia. Samplings were performed in an area with transgenic soybeans, subdivided into three treatments: T01, with no use of agricultural pesticides; T02, complete package of pesticides, except for acaricides; and T03, complete package of pesticides including acaricides. Twenty plants were selected per treatment at each sampling; one apical, one median, and one basal leaf were collected from each plant, totaling 60 leaves per treatment. A total of 1,292 mites were found, belonging to three families, five genera, and six species. The major phytophagous mite species found were Mononychellus planki McGregor and Tetranychus urticae Koch, while the major predatory mites found were Neoseiulus transversus Denmark & Muma and Euseius concordis Chant.

Seasonal mite population distribution on Caryocar brasiliense trees in the Cerrado domain.

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the Cerrado, and it is protected by federal laws. The need to monitor and understand pest damage to crops and forests is a major motivation for the study of population distribution. The mites (Acari) population distributions on C. brasiliense are unknown. We studied seasonal mite population distribution and their ecological indices on C. brasiliense trees in Cerrado areas during three years. Greatest number of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae), and diversity and species richness on leaves of C. brasiliense occurred in the autumn; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) on leaves in the autumn and winter; Histiostoma sp., and Proctolaelaps sp. in fruits in the summer. No significant effect of season was observed in the abundance of Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) and Acaridae. The populations of Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 negatively correlated with temperature. Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 correlated negatively with rainfall and Eutetranychus sp. and Proctolaelaps sp. positively with sunlight. The period with low rainfall and relative humidity increases the phytophagous mites and their predators, especially Agistemus sp.. The Tetranychus sp. and Histiostoma sp. species may become pests in C. brasiliense in the Cerrado domain.

Description of a new species in the Genus Cosella Newkirk and Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) From China

Eriophyoid mites are the most common groups of phytophagous mites found on various plants in Zhejiang Province of China. These mites are usually found on agricultural, horticultural, ornamental, and medicinal plants, including fruit and forest trees. Zhejiang Province is famous for its renowned mountains consist of Yandang, Putuo, Xuedou, Tianmu, Tiantai and Qingliang covered with green forest and wide range of vegetation due to which it is called as a treasure house of plants in China, which provide ecologically suitable living environment for eriophyoids species richness. Because of the diversity of host plants in Zhejiang Province, there is a dire need to investigate the presence of these minute creatures-especially those species that can be harmful to economic crops. Prior to this study genus Cosella Newkirk and Keifer held 43 species worldwide. Further one new leaf vagrant eriophyoid mite species in the genus Cosella was found from Zhejiang Province, China. A survey was carried out to determine the eriophyid mite fauna on natural vegetation of Linan City, Zhejiang Province China. One new species Cosella linanensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Rhododendron ovatum (Ericaceae). There was no apparent damage found on host plants where the new species was collected. Keywords: Acari, phytophagous, Prostigmata, taxonomy, Tianmu, Qingliang

Predator-prey relationship in the vertical distribution of mites on grapevines

Phytophagous mites can cause economic losses in many crops, including grapevines. The changes in their population levels may be associated with changes in the predator-prey relationship. Knowledge of the distribution of mites in plants is important for planning sampling strategies and facilitating control decisions. The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the abundances of Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae) and Neoseiulus californicus (Phytoseiidae), and the correlations between them and environmental factors; (ii) determine their distribution on the top, middle, or base strata of the evaluated grapevines (Vitis vinifera, Chardonnay cultivar) and, additionally, report the first occurrence of damage caused by T. urticae in grapevine leaves in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Sixteen samplings were conducted, divided between the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In each sampling, three leaves from the three strata of the plant (top, middle, and base) were collected from 20 plants, totaling 60 leaves per sampling. The predator-prey relationship and their association with environmental variables were evaluated with multivariate correlation, whereas the number of mites per plant leaf strata was compared using a generalized linear mixed model in R software. It was possible to observe the symptoms of damage caused by T. urticae attacks on grapevines in Southern Brazil, characterized by the presence of yellow spots and general yellowing of the vineyard. Our findings indicate that T. urticae and N. californicus individuals are strongly associated with each other regardless of the environmental variables, and such relationship occurs mainly on the lower strata (middle and base leaves) of grapevines. Thus, by taking into account the damage on the leaves of grapevines and the occurrence of T. urticae and N. californicus majorities on specific strata of these vineyards, we suggest that the lower strata of grapevines should be the priority targets for management strategies to control such mites.

Phytoseiidae mites associated with native and cultivated solanaceous in Central-West Brazil

Predatory mites represent important biological control agents and those belonging to the Phytoseiidae family are the most promising for the control of phytophagous mites and small insects. The control of key pests of tomato and other solanaceous crops, highlighting phytophagous mites, has been a challenge and the biological control constitutes a promising strategy. Prospecting predatory mites in wild host plants, natural environments as well as in agroecosystems is relevant because these non-crop and crop areas can serve as reservoirs for promising species for biological control programs. This study aimed to know the Phytoseiidae fauna associated with wild and cultivated solanaceous plants in a poorly prospected area in Brazil, the Central-West Region. A detailed taxonomic identification of phytoseiid mites was conducted, and the most important morphological traits are presented for each species. In addition, associated phytophagous mites mainly belonging to the Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae and Eriophyoidea were identified. Surveys were carried out in 23 species of solanaceous collected in the Distrito Federal (12 areas) and Goiás State (1 area), from February 2017 to January 2018. Nineteen species of predators belonging to ten genera were recorded: Amblyseius (2 species), Euseius (3), Galendromus (1), Iphiseiodes (1), Neoseiulus (3), Paraphytoseius (1), Phytoseius (3), Proprioseiopsis (2), Typhlodromalus (2, one probably new to science) and Typhlodromips (1). Solanum lycocarpum was the solanaceous that harbored the highest richness (11 species), as well as the one with the highest abundance of phytoseiids (250 specimens). Typhlodromalus aripo was the most common species, being the most abundant (423 specimens; 32%) and registered on the largest number of hosts (14). Many of phytoseiid species found present morphological traits that facilitate their occurrence in leaves with trichomes, as in the case of tomato and other cultivated solanaceous. These traits and the association between predators and phytophagous mites may indicate that these species are promising for biological control programms. Thus, extensive studies to assess the efficiency of the identified predatory mites to control key solanaceous pests are required.

First report of Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers, 1974 (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Peru, with predation observation and a key for the Amblyseius species reported so far from that country

Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) is an important family of predatory mites, with some species being commercialized as biological control agents for the control of phytophagous mites and small insects. In Peru, 65 species of this family have been recorded so far, with Amblyseius being the most diverse genus, with 11 species. The aim of this study is to report for the first time the presence of Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers, 1974 in Peru. In South America, this species has so far been reported only in Brazil and Venezuela. In Peru, A. tamatavensis was found on orange plants [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] in the district of Pangoa, department of Júnin. In the laboratory, collected specimens were observed to feed on Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmed, 1879) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Studies to verify the potential of this species as a biological control agent for pests occurring in Peru should be conducted. A key to the Amblyseius species recorded in Peru is presented.

Predation capacity and larval development of Ceraeochrysa claveri (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fed with Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

Ceraeochrysa claveri Navás (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a predator found in several agricultural ecosystems and feeds on insects and phytophagous mites. Its high reproductive potential and forage capacity makes it a candidate for biological control of agricultural pests. Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is an important pest that can damage several species of palms, in particular, Cocos nucifera L. Given the scarcity of available knowledge about the biological aspects of Chrysopidae fed with phytophagous mites, the present work aimed to study the larval development of C. claveri fed mainly with R. indica, in order to obtain information that would be of help in the integrated management of this pest. The evaluation was performed in the F0 generation. Larva 3 is the instar that consumes the most mites (F value = 32.99; P > 0.0001) (L3: 46.80 ± 10.12 a; L2: 9.80 ± 1.23 b; L1: 9.40 ± 1.58 b). C. claveri did not complete larval development when fed only with R. indica. Larval instars L1, L2 and L3 lived 7.4 ± 2.2, 7.6 ± 1.9 and 9.0 ± 3.9 days, respectively. The larvae that reached the pupal stage failed to grow further. When adding Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Lepidoptera: Gelechidae) eggs to the diet, the development lasted 7.9 ± 0.2, 7.4 ± 0.8, 6.5 ± 0.9 and 13.6 ± 0.9 days for L1, L2, L3 and pupae, respectively. The adults lived on average 6.7 ± 4.9 days. The sexual ratio was rt = 0.42. According to the conditions under which the experiment was carried out, it can be inferred is that C. claveri cannot complete its development by feeding only on R. indica, and that it thus consumes this mite as an occasional prey. Highlights: Ceraeochrysa claveri is a predator found in various agricultural ecosystems and feeds on insects and phytophagous mites. Raoiella indica is an important mite that can damage several species of palms, in particular Cocos nucifera Ceraeochrysa claveri does not complete its biological cycle by feeding only on indica. By adding another protein source to L3, it can reach the adult stage in 35.4±2.8 days. Ceraeochrysa claveri does not complete its cycle by feeding only on R. indica and consequently takes this mite as occasional prey.

Occurrence of phytophagous and predacious mites in two fig cultivars with population dynamics of the most abundant species in relation to weather factors and plant phenology at Sohag governorate, Egypt

Occurrence of phytophagous and predacious mites in two fig cultivars with population dynamics of the most abundant species in relation to weather factors and plant phenology at Sohag governorate, Egypt

Acarofauna present in organic strawberry fields and associated weed species in southern Brazil.

The presence of weeds in the margins of strawberry crops can enhance populations of predatory mites as a measure to support conservation biological control. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the composition of the acarofauna associated with strawberries and the accompanying herbaceous plants in an organic farming system, and (ii) to evaluate the possible relationships between phytophagous and predatory mites occurring in this system. Strawberry leaves and whole plants of weeds were sampled biweekly from August 2014 to February 2015 in Lapa (Paraná, Brazil). In total, 23 weed species belonging to 10 families were identified; 3768 mite individuals (from 15 families and 4 suborders) were recovered, 77% on strawberries and 23% on weeds. Abundance of predatory mites on weeds was greater than on strawberry cultivars. On strawberries, the most abundant family was Tetranychidae (84%) followed by Phytoseiidae (11.6%). In total, 16 predatory mite species from the Phytoseiidae family were identified, 13 of them occurring on strawberry leaflets. Typholodromalus aripo, Neoseiulus californicus and Typhlodromips mangleae were the most abundant mite species on strawberry leaves. On weeds, most individuals were predatory mites (59%), whereas phytophagous mites represented 17.2%. The most abundant family was Phytoseiidae (36.4%). On weeds, the phytoseiid mite T. aripo was the most abundant species, representing 34.7%. Besides being found on strawberry leaflets, T. aripo was associated with 15 weed species. Among the weeds, Bidens pilosa showed the highest values of the Shannon index (1.97), Margalef index (3.04), and Pielou's evenness index (0.95). This study emphasizes the importance of surrounding weeds as a shelter for beneficial mitefauna in strawberry fields, likely contributing to enhance conservation biological control.

Mites from the family Phytoseiidae as an element of an anti-resistant strategy for protecting fruit plantations from spider mites

In the last decade, the acarocomplex of apple orchards in the plain-steppe zone of the Crimea was dominated by two species of mites, fam. Tetranychidae - Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher) and Panonychus ulmi (Koch). Their share in the complex of phytophagous mites was 52.5 and 32.0%, respectively. Against the background of repeated acaricidal treatments during the season, the emergence of resistant races of phytophagous mites was recorded. The proposed anti-resistant strategy for controlling the number of spider mites on an apple tree involves the use of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias-Henriot), Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), and Amblyseius andersoni (Chant). The combination of methods of seasonal colonization by phytoseiids serves as the building blocks of an anti-resistant defense system.Resettlement in the spring, by flooding, of two species of acariphages, P. persimilis and A. andersoni , contributes to the formation of acarofauna, so that while the first species reduces the number of phytophagous mites (by 50-60%), the second adapts and starts feeding later, and, at the expense of daughter individuals, it allows to reduce the number of pests by the end of the second decade of June to 2-3 individuals / leaf. In summer, a double release of the predatory mite N. californicus with a norm of 30 thousand individuals / ha (150-300 individuals / every 10 trees) reduces the risk of mass reproduction of spider mites at high average daily temperatures and low humidity.

Pirimicarb resistance and associated mechanisms in field-collected and selected populations of Neoseiulus californicus

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is an important natural enemy of phytophagous mites, and naturally established populations are often found in apple orchards. However, insecticide applications to control pests cause side effects to non-target organisms such as N. californicus. Pirimicarb, a widely used carbamate insecticide in apple orchards, is generally considered a selective aphidicide, however, toxicity to beneficial insects and predatory mites has been reported. Furthermore, the molecular basis for this selectivity, if present in N. californicus, is still largely unknown. In this study, 8 field-collected N. californicus populations were investigated and showed up to 27-fold resistance compared to a susceptible laboratory population. Selection in the laboratory for 5 consecutive generations resulted in a 69-fold pirimicarb resistance. Although there were no significant difference in terms of the acetlycholinesterase (AChE) activity between susceptible and field-collected populations, the selected population exhibited a significantly higher AChE activity. In addition, gene copy number variation of acetylcholinesterase (ace) gene among populations was detected and ranged from 1.6 to 2.1-fold relative to the susceptible population. All field-collected populations, but not the selected population, had a significantly higher ace copy number compared to the susceptible population (t-test, p < 0.05). Molecular analysis of the target-site (AChE) revealed, for the first time, a phenylalanine to tryptophan substition at position 331 in AChE (Torpedo californica numbering), both in field-collected and the selected population, but not in the susceptible population. Last, the selected F5 population consumed significantly more Tetranychusurticae adults than the parental population. Together, the results of this study shed light on the molecular determinants of acaricide selectivity in predatory mites, and will contribute to a better design of an integrated mite management program, including the use of pesticide resistant N. californicus in apple orchards.

The dried fruit mite Carpoglyphus lactis (Acari: Carpoglyphidae) is a suitable alternative prey for Amblyseius herbicolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Being generalist predators makes many members of the Phytoseiidae family a more favourable choice for biocontrol. Amblyseius herbicolus, a predator of several phytophagous pest mites and insects, has recently gained focus as an important biocontrol agent. Most studies focus on providing alternative food such as pollens as a way to increase their persistence on the targets when prey is absent. In this study, we evaluated the developmental and reproductive performance of A. herbicolus on two different diets: the dried fruit mite Carpoglyphus lactis and Raupo Typha orientalis pollen. The groups treated with C. lactis took 7 days to reach adulthood, while the groups treated with pollen took 11 days. The pollen-treated mites did not reproduce but this is likely due to the reduction of pollen quality. When given C. lactis, A. herbicolus produced more than 20 eggs over two weeks and the adults survived 18–19 days. The ratio of A. herbicolus egg to C. lactis adult used (1:20, 40 &amp; 120) in the experiment did not affect the final population size. Cannibalism and competition seemed to affect all treatments, especially those cells started with three A. herbicolus eggs. Under laboratory conditions, A. herbicolus can be successfully cultured using C. lactis, which is an advantageous method for the laboratory and mass rearing of A. herbicolus.

Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on the survival and reproduction of Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The overuse of insecticides to control vector insects such as Diaphorina citri Kuwayama in citrus groves has altered the population dynamics of pest mites. Among phytophagous mites, population outbreaks of citrus leprosis mite, Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, have been increasingly intense and frequent in Brazilian citrus groves. Despite the great importance of the B. yothersi mite for citrus production, the lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on this mite have not yet been studied. Therefore, in this study, the effects of insecticides commonly used for D. citri control on B. yothersi mortality, reproduction, and instantaneous growth rate were assessed. For this, two experiments were carried out, one under controlled conditions and another in a greenhouse. The insecticides tested were beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, buprofezin, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, pyriproxyfen, and thiamethoxam at 0 (control), 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and twofold the recommended insecticide concentration for D. citri control. The pyriproxyfen insecticide provided high mortality of B. yothersi even at low concentrations. Furthermore, this insecticide negatively interfered with the reproduction of this mite. Beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, buprofezin, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, and thiamethoxam, in the tested concentrations, showed low impact on citrus leprosis mite. Regarding the reproduction of the mite, no significant increase in fecundity was observed on B. yothersi females exposed to insecticide residues, regardless of the concentration tested. Therefore, the application of these insecticides in the management of pest insects is unlikely to promote an increase in the citrus leprosis mite population.

Phytophagous mites transmitting plant viruses: update and perspectives

Phytophagous mites transmitting plant viruses: update and perspectives

Relationships between the Pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides, the Phytophagous Mite Schizotetranychus garmani (Acari: Tetranychidae) and the Predatory Mite Euseius finlandicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Oak.

Simple SummaryKnowledge about the relationships between plant pathogens, arthropods, and their natural enemies is scarce. We studied the relationships between the plant fungal pathogen, Erysiphe alphitoides, the phytophagous mite Schizotetranychus garmani, and the predatory mite Euseius finlandicus in leaves of pedunculate oak. In June, July and August 2016, in 30 trees located in three forests near Belgrade, Serbia, the presence of E. alphitoides, S. garmani and E. finlandicus was assessed. The occurrence of E. alphitoides was high where the population of S. garmani was high. However, the presence of the leaf pathogen E. alphitoides was not related to the amount of the predatory mite E. finlandicus. The relationships between powdery mildew and the two mite species were stable across time and space, and the presence of one mite was not influenced by the presence of the other mite.Food webs on forest trees include plant pathogens, arthropods, and their natural enemies. To increase the understanding of the impact of a plant pathogen on herbivore-natural enemy interactions, we studied the powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe alphitoides, the phytophagous mite Schizotetranychus garmani, and the predatory and mycophagous mite Euseius finlandicus in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) leaves. In June, July and August of 2016, we assessed the severity of powdery mildew, mite population density and adult female mite size in 30 trees in three forests near Belgrade, Serbia. In August, the infection severity of E. alphitoides related positively to the population density of S. garmani and negatively to the body size of S. garmani females. Throughout the vegetative season, the infection severity of E. alphitoides related positively to the population density of E. finlandicus but not to its body size. The effect of E. alphitoides on the population density and adult size of S. garmani was not mediated by the population density of E. finlandicus, and vice versa. Interactions were consistent in all forests and varied with the summer month. Our findings indicate that E. alphitoides can influence the average body size and population densities of prey and predatory mites studied, irrespective of predator-prey relationships.

New records of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Ethiopia with redescription of female Graminaseius shwelei El-Banhawy & Knapp and the first description of its male

ABSTRACT Despite their great importance in the biological control of phytophagous mites and insects, nothing is known with regard to the phytoseiid mite fauna in Ethiopia. In this paper, three species, Amblyseius chanioticus Papadoulis, Graminaseius shwelei El-Banhawy & Knapp and Neoseiulus scapilatus (van der Merwe) are reported for the first time from Ethiopia. Because the original description of G. shwelei was based on a single female specimen, this species is redescribed based on females to provide intraspecific variation and to improve its diagnosis. In addition, the male G. shwelei is described for the first time. Furthermore, short descriptions of A. chanioticus and N. scapilatus are also given.

Hitchhiking or hang gliding? Dispersal strategies of two cereal-feeding eriophyoid mite species

Dispersal shapes the dynamics of populations, their genetic structure and species distribution; therefore, knowledge of an organisms’ dispersal abilities is crucial, especially in economically important and invasive species. In this study, we investigated dispersal strategies of two phytophagous eriophyoid mite species: Aceria tosichella (wheat curl mite, WCM) and Abacarus hystrix (cereal rust mite, CRM). Both species are obligatory plant parasites that infest cereals and are of economic significance. We investigated their dispersal success using different dispersal agents: wind and vectors. We hypothesised that in both mite species the main mode of dispersal is moving via wind, whereas phoretic dispersal is rather accidental, as the majority of eriophyoid mite species do not possess clear morphological or behavioural adaptations for phoresy. Results confirmed our predictions that both species dispersed mainly with wind currents. Additionally, WCM was found to have a higher dispersal success than CRM. Thus, this study contributes to our understanding of the high invasive potential of WCM.

Natural Enemies Associated with Brevipalpus sp. (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), Vector of Citrus Leprosis

Natural Enemies Associated with <i>Brevipalpus</i> sp. (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), Vector of Citrus Leprosis

Benefit of actively mixing prey in a plant‐inhabiting predatory mite

1. Many animals can actively redress nutrient imbalances in their diet to maximise performance. However, food items are commonly patchily distributed in nature, thus, animals often need to commute between prey patches to mix their diet.2. We previously found that females of two species of predatory mites showed a higher oviposition rate when feeding on a mixture of eggs of co‐occurring phytophagous mites than on each prey separately. Besides, they searched for such a prey mixture on artificial arenas.3. In nature, however, the two prey species are found on different parts of their host plant; hence, the predators need to commute between plant parts to obtain a mixed diet.4. Here, we show that the reproduction of one of these predators was highest on mixtures consisting of various proportions of these prey, and was lower on single diets and on a mixture with a high proportion of one of the two prey. The predators consumed prey eggs in proportions differing from those offered, suggesting that they actively selected prey to obtain a mixed diet.5. We found that the oviposition of the predator was lower on plants inoculated with either of the two prey species alone than on plants on which the eggs of the two prey species occurred on separate leaves of the same plant, forcing the predators to commute between the two prey.6. We conclude that the predators actively searched for a mixed diet consisting of prey that were spatially separated on a plant.

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

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.