Mite Populations Research Articles

Surveillance of Vector‐Borne Zoonotic Diseases in South Korea: Uncovering Novel Pathogen Carriers Among Rodents and Mites Nationwide

Wild rodents and their ectoparasites are known reservoirs for various zoonotic pathogens, highlighting the need for detailed studies into their roles in disease transmission. Our research investigated the spatial distribution of rodents and their ectoparasites to better understand the epidemiology of vector‐borne zoonotic diseases (VBZDs), including severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), Lyme disease, Q fever, and scrub typhus. We analyzed samples from 540 rodents and 6785 mites, detecting the presence of Borrelia spp., the causative agent of Lyme disease, in 0.9% of rodents and SFTS virus (SFTSV) in 1.0%. In mites, Borrelia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi, the bacteria causing scrub typhus, were detected in 0.3% of samples each. Phylogenetic analysis identified the SFTSV sequence as type B3, the Borrelia spp. sequence as B. afzelii, and the O. tsutsugamushi sequence as Karp‐related. Notably, SFTSV was detected for the first time in mites in South Korea, and B. afzelii was found in mites for the first time globally. These findings emphasize the critical need for continuous analysis of VBZDs to anticipate future trends and develop a comprehensive monitoring system. Further research into the rodent and mite populations in South Korea is essential to fully assess the potential risks of VBZDs.

Evaluation of non-chemical methods in the management of garlic mite complex

Mites are noxious pests infesting the garlic crop leading to significant yield loss. Several synthetic chemicals have been used over several decades; however, the extensive use of the chemicals has deleterious effects on both human health and the environment. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Bidar to evaluate the different non-chemical traditional methods against the garlic mite complex during 2020-21. Among the different treatments, sequential water spray –NSKE 5% at an interval of 24 hrs registered the lowest mean carmine spider mite population after the first spray (16.57/sq. cm of leaf) and second spray (15.82/ sq. cm of leaf). Further, it also recorded the highest mite population reduction over control to an extent of 64.90% and 65.98%, after the first and second spray, respectively. The sequential water spray -Pongamia seed extract 3% was next best with 61.99 and 63.01 percent reduction over control after the first and second spray, respectively. Similar results were obtained during 2021-22. The sequential water spray – NSKE 5% also proved to be best against bulb mites as it recorded the lowest lacerations on the garlic cloves (25.36 and 27.15%) with the highest reduction in laceration (51.57 and 51.21%) and the highest yield (27.00q/ha and 25.80q/ha) during 2020-21 and 2021- 22, respectively.

Evaluating a Reduction in Treatment Duration of Ivermectin Diet for Fur Mite (Radfordia affinis) Eradication in Mice.

Murine fur mites are commonly excluded in modern research animal programs, yet infestations continue to persist due to challenges in detection and control. Because all diagnostic methods and treatment options have limitations, programs must make many operational decisions when trying to eradicate these ectoparasites. The primary aim of this study was to assess various durations of treatment time with an ivermectin-compounded diet in eliminating Radfordia affinis in mice as determined by PCR testing and pelt examination. A shorter treatment duration would be highly advantageous as compared with the current regimen of 8 wk as it would minimize cost and time for animal management programs, impediments to research, and ivermectin drug effects on infested animals. Five experimental groups of R. affinis-positive mice received dietary ivermectin for 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 wk. A fur mite-negative, naïve mouse was added to each group every 8 wk to perpetuate the infestation and amplify any remaining populations of fur mites. At 16 wk after the respective treatment end, PCR testing was performed for all treated groups in conjunction with the positive control group (no treatment). Visual examination of pelts for mites and eggs via direct microscopy was also performed at each time point. All treated mice were free of R. affinis at 16 wk after the end of treatment as confirmed by both PCR testing and pelt examination. These findings indicate that a dietary ivermectin treatment duration of as little as 2 wk is effective in eliminating R. affinis, making successful eradication initiatives more achievable.

Field evaluation of the efficacy of copper nanoparticles against mites associated with orange trees.

Phytophagous mites are dangerous pests, causing economic losses to the world's crops. Nanotechnology is a promising field for pests and disease management, and enhancement of agricultural productivity. The aim of the study was to evaluation of the effectiveness of copper nanoparticles (CuNP) against all stages of eriophyid mite, the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and tetranychid mite, the citrus brown mite Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) (Acari: Tetranychidae), and Tenuipalpid mite, the false spider mite, Brevipalpus obovatus Donnadieu (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). This includes its impacts on predacious mites, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), on orange trees under field conditions. Five different concentrations of copper nanoparticles (40, 80, 160, 240, and 320 ppm), as well as the control (well water) were examined. The obtained results indicated that the mortality rate of both phytophagous and predacious mites was associated with an increase in the concentrations of copper nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles were significantly effective in killing P. oleivora, E. orientalis and B. obovatus with minimal effects on A. swirskii and E. scutalis. The mortality percentage was 15.24, 20.32, 46.32, 78.97 and 86.37% for P. oleivora, 6.87, 9.86, 28.91, 56.30 and 77.52% for E. orientalis and 8.38, 23.50, 48.83, 68.80 and 84.08% for B. obovatus while the mortality percentage was 0.00, 0.56, 5.83, 9.91 and 15.19% for A. swirskii and 0.44, 3.96, 6.93, 8.63 and 21.39% for E. scutalis one week after exposure to 40, 80, 160, 240 and 320 ppm of copper nanoparticles, respectively. Moreover, the results showed that copper nanoparticles caused a reduction in the percentage of eggs hatching. The percentages of larvae hatching from eggs were 96.29, 80.00, 64.13, 45.66 and 32.17% for P. oleivora, 97.38, 83.28, 69.41, 48.01 and 35.29 for E. orientalis and 96.60, 76.92, 56.38, 40.55 and 33.28% for B. obovatus one week after exposure to copper nanoparticles at 40, 80, 160, 240 and 320 ppm respectively, compared with the control (well water). According to the results, the use of copper nanoparticles significant effect on reducing the population of phytophagous mites associated with orange trees, with low detrimental effects on predatory mites.

The efficiency of the biological defense system of cucumbers in greenhouse for controlling the population of the carmine spider mite

The efficiency of the biological defense system of cucumbers in greenhouse for controlling the population of the carmine spider mite

Efficiency of chemical method for protecting cucumbers to control the population of the carmine spider mite in greenhouse

Efficiency of chemical method for protecting cucumbers to control the population of the carmine spider mite in greenhouse

Monitoring two-spotted spider mite populations from commercial hopyards in Oregon for resistance to Zeal, 2022

Monitoring two-spotted spider mite populations from commercial hopyards in Oregon for resistance to Zeal, 2022

Prospects for usage of predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (MCGREGOR, 1954) (order Mesostigmata: subfamily, Amblyseiinae, family Phytoseiidae)

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (MCGREGOR, 1954) is used as a specialized acariphage on vegetable, flower and berry crops. In protected ground, N. californicus is one of the effective carnivores of spider mites (Tetranychidae), the intensity of attacks depends on the temperature. The predator prefers to consume immature individuals of T. uirticae, often ignoring adult female mites. Simultaneously, predaceous organism does not express preferences between eggs and T. urticae nymphs. However, as the density of the spider mite population increases, the predatory mite shifts its diet from the eggs of the victim to larvae and nymphs. Adult females N. californicus exhibit a type 2 functional response to both eggs and T. urticae nymphs. Pyrethroid and avermectin drugs are highly toxic to predator populations. At the same time, there is low acute toxicity to many insecticides (Actara, Envidor, etc.) is exibited.

Monitoring two-spotted spider mite populations from commercial hopyards in Oregon for resistance to Onager, 2023

Monitoring two-spotted spider mite populations from commercial hopyards in Oregon for resistance to Onager, 2023

Evaluation of pongamia oil soap against red spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch and its effect on mite predators in brinjal ecosystem

The efficacy of pongamia oil soap was tested on red spider mites and on its predators (rove beetle, Oligota sp. and predatory gall midge, Feltiella acarisuga Vallot). Pongamia oil soap at 0.6, 1, 2 and 3 per cent along with neem oil 0.6 per cent, soap solution 0.5 per cent and thiamethoxam 25 WG were investigated and observations were recorded on, a day prior to and, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after spray application. The results revealed that pongamia oil soap @ 3, 2 and 1 per cent shown mite population reduction up to 86.50, 84.57 and 79.27 per cent respectively. Richness of mite predators didn’t vary significantly at one day after spray and the maximum population was observed in soap solution - (4.33/5 plants). Population of mite predators was relatively high at 14 days after spray with soap solution (35.67 per five plants) which was at par with pongamia oil soap @ 0.6, 1 and 2 per cent.

Defensive Behaviors of the Central Highland Honeybees, Apis mellifera bandasii against Varroa destructor in Ethiopia

The parasitic mite V. destructor has caused long-lasting losses to the survival of European honeybee colonies. In contrast, African honeybees are likely capable of surviving the effects of this parasitic mite with varying defense mechanisms. This study provides insights into two defense behavioral traits, including hygienic and grooming behaviors of local honeybee, Apis mellifera bandasii colonies against V. destructor mite in Ethiopia. Hygienic behavior (HB) was evaluated using the standard pin-killed brood method by calculating the dead brood removal rates (%) at 24 and 48 hrs. While grooming behavior (GB) was assessed by measuring the number of daily fallen mites and the percentage of damaged mites. The results of hygienic behavior showed greater brood removal rates of 83.1±14.3% and 97.6±3.4% at 24 hrs and 48 hrs, respectively. There were strong negative correlations between the HB and Varroa infestation rates, indicating that HB has the potential to reduce the mite population in colonies. Grooming behavior also showed higher mean daily fallen mites per colony (16.3±10.2), of which about 80% of the total fallen mites (n=488) were damaged. Ten body damage categories were identified, with most damages inflicted on mites’ legs, dorsal shield, and gnathosoma because of the GB. Our study suggests that combined hygienic and grooming behaviors could be used as effective defenses against V. destructor infestations in A. m. bandasii colonies. Therefore, future selective breeding programs should integrate these specific host defenses in order to produce sustainable colonies resistant to this parasitic mite.

Biodiversity and mite population fluctuation in different apple orchards in southern Brazil

The aim of this work was to know the population fluctuation of the mites in apple (Malus domestica Borkh: Rosaceae) orchards with different crop management strategies, with emphasis on Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa (Eriophyidae) and Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) and their natural enemies. The studies were carried out in 2020-21, in three organic orchards (Eva, Fuji and Gala), from Antônio Prado, two conventional (Fuji and Gala), from Muitos Capões, RS, Brazil, and two of regenerative agriculture (Fuji and Gala), in São Joaquim, SC, Brazil. Forty plants/orchard were sampled, from which three leaves/plant from the apical, median and basal offshoot were detached. The material was screened and identified in the laboratory. A total of 7.193 specimens, belonging to 14 families, 29 genera, and 40 species, were collected. The most common phytophagous mites were A. schlechtendali (46.2%), P. ulmi (16.9%) and Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Tarsonemidae) (10.9%). Panonychus ulmi was observed in all orchards, being abundant in conventional and regenerative orchards. The most common predatory mites were Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae), Agistemus riograndensis Johann and Ferla (Stigmaeidae) and Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann and Oliveira (Stigmaeidae). Among predators, greater diversity was observed in organic orchards, while in conventional and regenerative orchards N. californicus was the most common. Greater acarine abundance was observed when there was an increase in temperatures, and the predatory mites increased their populations in response to the presence of phytophagous mites. The results suggest that the mite populations were influenced by the cultivar and mainly by the management used.

Influence of temperature on the population size of Aceria litchii (Acari: Eriophyidae) and the development of its galls.

The lychee erinose mite, Aceria litchii (Keifer), is a tiny eriophyid mite known to induce the formation of open galls (erinea) on lychee plants, Litchi chinensis Sonn. In lychee infested by A. litchii, four stages of erineum are observed, based on erineum color: hyaline, white, amber and dark brown. The cause of the color change in erinea is unknown, but it might be linked to the extent of A. litchii infestation. Artificially infested lychee seedlings were used to determine the developmental time, trichome density, and mite population size in each of the four erineum stages. The effect of temperature (15, 25, and 35°C) on A. litchii population size and erineum developmental time was also investigated. Overall, each erineum stage lasted approximately 50 days and the population size of A. litchii increased gradually through the hyaline, white and amber stages, and a strong decline was observed in dark brown erinea. Visual comparisons of the low-temperature scanning electron microscope (LT-SEM) images revealed that the trichome density was lower in the hyaline stage than in the other stages. Temperature influenced mite population size and amber erinea developmental time. Mite population was lower at 35°C than at 15 and 25°C, suggesting that high temperatures promote detrimental effects on A. litchii. Amber erinea developed slower at 15°C than at 25 and 35°C. Possible effects of the temperature on A. litchii population in lychee plants are discussed.

Individual differences in developmental trajectory leave a male polyphenic signature in bulb mite populations

Individual differences in developmental trajectory leave a male polyphenic signature in bulb mite populations

Effectiveness of Nanoparticle-Based Treatments in Controlling Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari Tetranchidae) Infestation in Date Palm Trees

Date palm mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestations pose a significant threat to date palm plantations, leading to reduced crop yield and economic losses. Nanoparticle-based strategies have emerged as a promising approach for controlling mite populations due to their unique physicochemical properties and environmentally friendly nature. In this study, we investigated the impact of three different nanoparticle types, namely silver, silica, and sulphur, on the mortality rate of date palm mites at different life stages (larvae, nymphs, and adults). The experiments were conducted at various concentrations and time intervals to assess the efficacy of the treatments. The results revealed significant variations in the effectiveness of the nanoparticle types, with nanosulphur demonstrating the highest mortality rate (45.576%) followed by silica (38.587%) and silver nanoparticles (34.957%). Furthermore, the results indicated that adult mites were more susceptible to nanoparticle-induced mortality compared to larvae and nymphs. The concentration-dependent response showed that higher nanoparticle concentrations led to greater mite mortality, with the highest concentration (500 ppm) resulting in an impressive mortality rate of 55.163%. Time-dependent studies demonstrated a progressive increase in mortality rates over 48 hours, reaching 46.017% at the endpoint. These findings provide valuable insights into the differential susceptibility of date palm mite life stages to nanoparticle treatments and underscore the importance of considering both nanoparticle type and concentration for effective control of date palm mites. This knowledge contributes to the development of targeted nanoparticle-based strategies for mitigating date palm mite infestations and preserving the productivity of date palm plantations. This study contributes valuable insights into the potential use of nanoparticle-based treatments for managing O. afrasiaticus infestations in date palm trees.

Comparing the efficacy of synthetic Varroacides and Varroa destructor phenotypic resistance using Apiarium and Mason jar bioassay techniques.

Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a major threat for honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. Beekeepers have used synthetic Varroacides against Varroa mite for decades, but resistance to organophosphates, pyrethroids and formamidine has been reported in many locations worldwide. The goals of this study were to develop a reliable bioassay to assess efficacy and phenotypic resistance to commercial Varroacides. In this study, efficacy and Varroa resistance was evaluated using the Apiarium technique in comparison to the Mason jar method. Among tested Varroacides, a high efficacy (89%) for Apivar was identified when compared to Bayvarol (58%), Apistan (44%) and CheckMite (6%), in a 24 h assessment. We also found that CheckMite was toxic to bees in the Mason jar method. In addition, the Apiarium technique revealed a case of phenotypic resistance to Bayvarol, Apistan and CheckMite in the mite population evaluated. A laboratory protocol was developed using the Apiarium method to evaluate Apivar efficacy. Collectively, the findings indicated that the Apiarium methodology provided a reliable technique to measure Varroacide efficacy and determine the presence of phenotypic resistance in V. destructor. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

High hydrostatic pressure effect on the concentration of selected pesticides residues in spiked honey samples

The use of pesticides and especially acaricides, to control Varroa mite populations poses risks for consumers of beehive products such as honey. Treatments, such as heating and ultrasound, only partially reduce the acaricide residues. This study aims to investigate the effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) on malathion, coumaphos, bromopropylate, tau-fluvalinate, and chlorpyrifos residues in spiked honey samples. Different pressures (150, 400 & 580 MPa), processing time (1, 3, 6 & 12 min), and temperatures (4, 25 & 35οC) were tested. The oxygen present in the packaging was tested for its effect on the efficiency of the treatment. Qualitative and quantitative determination of residues were performed with gas chromatography (GC - μECD). The reduction ascertained was 30.6%, 28.6%, 21%, 15.7%, and 10.6% for malathion, chlorpyrifos, coumaphos, bromopropylate and tau-fluvalinate, respectively. Processing did not significantly affect honey quality, while an enhancement of antioxidative properties was recorded.

Efficacy and trade-offs of an innovative hyperthermia device to control Varroa destructor in honeybee colonies

For decades, the honeybee, Apis mellifera, has suffered from severe colony losses due to the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Various strategies based on chemicals fail to adequately control varroa mite populations, and often comprise side-effects on the host, parasite resistance and residues in hive products. Reduced temperature tolerance of V. destructor compared to its host has long been recognised and accordingly, the potential of hyperthermia to disrupt mite reproduction within honeybee brood cells or even kill adult parasites. Yet, earlier studies on hyperthermia remain largely anecdotal, and readily implementable solutions have so far been lacking. This study investigates autonomously controlled interval heating from within brood combs throughout the season compared to control colonies maintained according to good apicultural practice. We documented treatment-dependent colony growth dynamics and honey production at three apiaries, complemented by regular monitoring of varroa mite levels and comprehensive digital assessments of brood development over time. Our one-year field trial suggests the evaluated hyperthermia device efficiently suppresses mite populations below critical thresholds until autumn. Whilst a general winter reference-curing revealed similar mite infestations of colonies previously treated with hyperthermia versus formic acid (control), only the latter imposed substantial overwintering burdens indirectly through frequent late-season queen supersedure. However, relative to targeted pupae, increased mortality particularly of heat-treated non-target brood stages (eggs and larvae) appeared to trigger compensatory colony-level responses, translating into temporarily decreased numbers of adult workers coupled with increased pollen foraging and overall lower honey harvests. Valuable insights into previously unrecognised side-effects of hyperthermia and mitigation thereof may ultimately permit successful routine applications of this chemical-free approach to combat the major threat to honeybees worldwide.

Species assemblage, abundance, and distribution of Phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) in Citrus Under Protective Screen.

Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) production system excludes the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, vector of Huanglongbing (HLB), and large predators. However, small pests and beneficial arthropods such as predatory mites may enter the CUPS. Predatory mites from the family Phytoseiidae attack several economically important pests, especially phytophagous mites common in CUPS. The species assemblage, abundance, and distribution of phytoseiid mites in CUPS and open-air (control) were investigated in Ray Ruby grapefruit from 2018 to 2020. Foliar sprays of chemicals for pest suppression were used in both systems and evaluated for effect on predatory mite populations. In the 2 production systems, a significant peak in the phytoseiid mite population was observed in February 2019 and 2020. This increase coincided with the blooming period of grapefruit, which likely provided pollen as an alternative food. A total of 2,234 specimens of 11 species were identified. Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers and Typhlodromalus peregrinus (Muma) were dominant in both systems. Amblyseius tamatavensis was slightly more abundant in CUPS (50% of total specimens) than T. peregrinus (47%), while T. peregrinus was prevalent (82%) in open-air compared with A. tamatavensis (16%). Shannon index and evenness were significantly higher in CUPS, but species richness was similar. Chlorpyrifos with abamectin and oil, cyantraniliprole with spirodiclofen, copper, and oil as well as pyridaben alone reduced phytoseiid populations between 87% and 96%. Fenbutatin oxide mixed with copper reduced phytoseiids by 48% in open-air only. Our results demonstrate phytoseiid survival, reproduction, and contribution to biological control in CUPS, despite high temperature and humidity.

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.