Red Mite Research Articles

Assessment of synergistic efficacy of carbaryl in combination with Cinnamomum cassia and Origanum vulgare essential oils against Dermanyssus gallinae

Assessment of synergistic efficacy of carbaryl in combination with Cinnamomum cassia and Origanum vulgare essential oils against Dermanyssus gallinae

Transcriptome reanalysis and gene expression of 13 detoxification genes for avermectin and pyridaben resistance in Panonychus citri

Citrus red mites (P. citri) are key pests affecting citrus production worldwide due to pesticide resistance. The resistance mechanisms of ten pesticides are known, but a comprehensive study using transcriptome data is missing. This study employed deeptools, cuffdiff, rmats, bcftools and other software to examine gene expression variation, alternative splicing (AS), and mutations in mite resistance. The research highlighted that pesticides can regulate gene transcription, and red mites with resistance increase cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferases, carboxylesterase, and acetylcholinesterase expression. Pyridaben also induces new AS events. Fluazinam-induced mites show mRNA splicing peaking earlier than transcription, both peaking at one day and returning to baseline after two days. AS profiles are similar in different mite populations with overlapping pesticide resistances. Lastly, specific mitochondrial SNPs in mites might mediate resistance against select pesticides.

Effect of Sowing Time on Infestation of Sucking Pests in Okra

Okra is highly susceptible to sucking pests like leafhopper, whitefly, and red spider mite, leading to significant yield losses. While farmers rely on insecticides for pest control, excessive use poses risk to the environment. To explore alternatives, a study was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during kharif 2023 to assess the effect of sowing time on sucking pests infestation in okra. For this, okra was sown on different times i.e., in the 3rd week of May, 1st and 3rd week of June, and 1st and 3rd week of July. The population of leafhopper, whitefly and red spider mite was recorded weekly, starting from the appearance of the pest. The study revealed that leafhopper population in crop sown in the 1st and 3rd week of July was on a par, however, significantly lower than that in other crops. Okra sown in the 1st week of July resulted in significantly lower population of whitefly than rest of the sowing times having population on a par with each other. Mite infestation was significantly lower in crop sown in the 3rd week of July compared to the others. Based on these findings, July appears to be the most suitable time for sowing okra to minimize sucking pests’ infestation.

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.

Surface hydrophobicity mechanism of poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae), gives novel meaning to chemical control

Surface hydrophobicity of organisms provides biological self-protection. The hydrophobicity of pest surface, acting as a main obstacle for the pest control, can lead to low utilization and high loss of pesticides. Dermanyssus gallinae is a notorious pest in egg-laying hens, whose control primarily depends on acaricide spraying, while its surface hydrophobicity and potential influence on pesticide effectiveness are not clear. In the present study, the contact angle measurements revealed that the surface of D. gallinae was hydrophobic. Analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the surface microstructures of D. gallinae consist of cuticular folds, with a lipid-rich outermost layer of the cuticle. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography (GC), it was found that the major compositions of cuticular lipids were fatty acids and n-alkanes. Modifying the chemical compositions and microstructures of the D. gallinae surface resulted in a reduction in surface hydrophobicity and an increase in the permeation of Rhodamine B through the cuticle. This observation suggested that the chemical compositions and microstructures were pivotal in determining surface hydrophobicity, hindering compound penetration into the cuticle. Finally, it was found improving the wettability of pesticide solution by adding surfactants could overcome the surface hydrophobicity and enhance the efficacy of pesticide against the mites. This study sheds light on the surface hydrophobicity mechanism of D. gallinae and provides a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of acaricides against the mites.

Explainable olive grove and grapevine pest forecasting through machine learning-based classification and regression

Pests significantly impact agricultural productivity, making early detection crucial for maximizing yields. This paper explores the use of machine learning models to predict olive fly and red spider mite infestations in Andalusia. Four datasets on crop phenology, pest populations, and damage levels were used, with models developed using the Python package H2O, which focuses on interpretability through SHAP values and ICE plots. The results showed high precision in predicting pest outbreaks, particularly for the olive fly, with minimal differences between models using feature selection. In the vineyard dataset, the selection of characteristics improved the performance of the model by reducing the MAE and increasing R2. Explainability techniques identified solar radiation and wind direction as key factors in olive fly predictions, while past pest occurrences and wind velocity were influential for red spider mites, providing farmers with actionable insights for timely pest control.

Dermanyssus gallinae dermatitis in a young Italian woman.

Dermanyssus gallinae dermatitis in a young Italian woman.

Assessment of Biological Characteristics of Red Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) Koch on Brinjal

Red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch passed through five stages viz., egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult with three short resting stages known as quiescent stages which termed as nymphochrysalis, deutochrysalis and teleiochrysalis. The incubation period of egg was 3.28 ± 1.10 days with 0.13 ± 0.01 mm diameter in size. The average length and breadth of larva, nymphochrysalis, protonymph, deutochrysalis, deutonymphs, teleiochrysalis, adult male and adult female stage were 0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.01; 0.19 ± 0.01 and 0.12 ± 0.01; 0.20 ± 0.01 and 0.12 ± 0.01; 0.24 ± 0.02 and 0.13 ± 0.01, 0.29 ± 0.02 and 15 ± 0.02, 0.35 ± 0.03 and 0.18 ± 0.01, 0.43 ± 0.04 and 0.19 ± 0.01; and 0.47 ± 0.02 and 0.22 ± 0.01 mm, respectively. The mean duration of male and female larva, nymphochrysalis, protonymph, deutochrysalis, deutonymphs, teleiochrysalis and adult was 2.07 ± 0.73 and 2.36 ± 0.22, 0.58 ± 0.32 and 0.68 ± 0.22, 2.23 ± 0.35 and 2.92 ± 0.81, 0.70 ± 0.35 and 0.76 ± 0.39, 2.12 ± 0.44 and 2.56 ± 0.51, 0.77 ± 0.19 and 0.87 ± 0.37 and 7.12 ± 0.93 and 11.08 ± 0.86 days, respectively. Female of T. urticae occupied 2.48 ± 0.96, 5.32 ± 0.99 and 2.35 ± 0.84 days as pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period, respectively. Total life period of male and female was 19.14 ± 2.06 and 23.85 ± 1.65 days, respectively. The average fecundity and hatching percentage were 47.60 ± 6.13 days and 91.11 ± 4.14 per cent, respectively with 1 : 2.50 sex ratio.

A glutathione S-transferase PcGSTMu2 involved in the detoxification of bifenazate in Panonychus citri.

The citri red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), is an important citrus pest worldwide, causing enormous economic losses to citrus production. Bifenazate is a widely used acaricide for controlling P. citri. The detoxification mechanism of bifenazate is not clear in P. citri. PcGSTMu2, a significantly upregulated GST gene, was identified by the transcriptome analysis of P. citri after bifenazate exposure. The expression level of PcGSTMu2 was significantly increased after bifenazate exposure. By using RNAi of PcGSTMu2, the susceptibility of P. citri to bifenazate was significantly increased. Protein modeling and docking of PcGSTMu2 with GSH and bifenazate indicated the potential amino acid residues for binding in the active site. Heterologous expression and in vitro functional assays further revealed that PcGSTMu2 could deplete bifenazate. These results indicated that PcGSTMu2 plays an important role in the detoxification of bifenazate in P. citri and provides the molecular foundation for understanding bifenazate metabolism in P. citri. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Agroecological Alternatives for Pest and Disease Management in Mexican Lime [Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle] Cultivation

agroecological alternatives for the integrated management of recurrent pests in Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia); as well as to establish possible synergies with the commercial bioinsecticide. Design/methodology/approach: This experiment was conducted in two phases: 1) visual monitoring and pre-identification of pests and fungal diseases in the Mexican lime crop, and 2) application and evaluation of the effect of application of commercial bioinsecticide (Biocanela) and mineral broths (bordeaux broth and sulfocalcium broth) alone and mixtures. Results: The pests with highest incidence were thrips (Pezothrips kellynus), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), and red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), while the main fungal diseases were sooty mold (Capnodium citri), red algae (Cephaleuros virescens), citrus greasy spot (Mycosphaerella citri), and anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum). The mixture of mineral broths with the bioinsecticide Biocanela showed the highest fungicide and insecticide activity, and repellency on various pests and diseases of the Mexican lemon crop. Limitations on study/implications: Generate scientific knowledge regarding to the best agroecological alternatives for the integrated management of citrus pests and diseases that are economically and environmentally profitable. Findings/conclusions: Application of the mixture of sulfocalcium broth and Biocanela showed repellency effectiveness against pests such as thrips (Pezothrips kellyanus), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), and fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Likewise, it was effective against sooty mold (Capnodium citri), red algae (Cephaleuros virescens), and citrus greasy spot (Mycosphaerella citri), while the effect was lighter against anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum). Additionally, it induces new, healthy shoots in Mexican lemon trees.

Succession of Major Pests and Predatory Fauna in Okra

Investigations on pest succession in okra crops were carried out during kharif, 2023 at the Department of Entomology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. Pest succession based on crop growth stages showed that the population of sucking insect-pests viz., jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida), aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius.) observed from vegetative stage and remained up to crop matured while, red spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus incidence appeared from reproductive stage to maturity stage. Among the lepidopteran pests, the infestation of semi-looper, Anomis flava (Fabricius) started in the second week after germination and remained till maturity of the crop whereas, shoot and fruit borer (Earias insulana Boisd.) and fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Hardwick) damaged the crop from the vegetative stage and remained up to crop maturity. Coccinellids and spider activity initiated with sucking insect-pest incidence and remained up to crop maturity. The weather parameters, Bright sunshine hours and maximum minimum temperature had significant relationships with A. biguttula biguttula, T. cinnabarinus, E. vittella and H. armigera. Whereas, relative humidity significantly negatively influenced the activity of red spider mite, E. vittella, H. armigera and positively on predator coccinellids. Furthermore, windspeed had a significant positive association with A. biguttula biguttula and E. vittella (shoot damage) while, negative with H. armigera larva.

Evaluation of selected crops for rearing predatory mite (Phytoseiulus persimilis), a predator of two-spotted red spider mites

The damage caused by two-spotted spider mites, and the risks associated with chemical pesticides, including health and environmental risks necessitate the exploration of sustainable pest management methods. Predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, are effective biocontrol agents against pests like the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the suitability of different crops for rearing predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) and assess their effectiveness in controlling two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). Linear regression analysis showed significant effects of selected crops on mite populations across all collection times (Collection 1: F (3, 8) = 22.46, p = 0.0003; Collection 2: F (3, 8) = 11.45, p = 0.0029; and Collection 3: F (3, 8) = 9.17, p = 0.0057). ANOVA showed significant differences in mite counts among the crops (F (3, 32) = 18.06, p < 0.001), corroborated by bootstrapping analysis. Beans demonstrated the highest potential for supporting predatory mite populations, followed by eggplant and black nightshade, illustrating that crop diversification can enhance predatory mite production while suggesting adoption of Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce pesticide costs and environmental impacts. There is the need for collaborative research and policy support to drive innovation and promote sustainable pest management practices in agriculture, thus addressing pesticide-use related environmental issues.

Evaluation of acaricidal activity in entomopathogenic fungi for poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) control

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, significantly impacts the health of egg-laying hens. Mites feed on the blood of infested chickens and have a great economic impact on the poultry industry. Chemical treatment of mites raises concerns about their resistance to miticides and residues in eggs and poultry. Biocontrol using entomopathogenic fungi is expected to be a chemical-free strategy for reducing PRM infestations. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of various entomopathogenic fungal species collected in South Korea on the inhibition of PRM. Seventeen strains of six fungal species collected from various sources were used to evaluate acaricidal activity against PRM. The results showed that 16/17 strains had acaricidal properties against PRM, of which strains of Metarhizium anisopliae had the highest acaricidal activity. Mites treated with M. anisopliae CBNU 4–2 showed 100 % mortality 5 d after inoculation, followed by M. flavoviride var. pemphigi. The M. flavoviride var. pemphigi CBNU 1–1–1 showed 97.78 % mortality after 10 d of exposure to fungi. The mortality rate of PRM treated with other strains slowly increased and reached its highest value on the 14th day of inoculation. The results of this study provide information on the acaricidal activity of different entomopathogenic fungi against PRM. This information is important for the selection of fungal species for developing biocontrol methods for PRM treatment. These strains could be used for further evaluation of PRM treatment on chicken farms, or in combination with other methods, to increase PRM treatment efficiency.

Acaricidal potential of Bidens pilosa in the control of the red palm mite

Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae), is one of the leading pest mites on plants of the Arecaceae family, especially palm and banana trees. This species has a high reproductive capacity and rapid dissemination, but the control methods available for this species are still limited. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the acaricidal effect of blackjack (Bidens pilosa) on adult individuals of R. indica. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, using the plant structures of blackjack to prepare the extracts. The experimental units consisted of coconut leaf discs (4 cm), with moistened cotton at the bottom of the Petri dish (10.0 × 1.2 cm), and around the disc to maintain turgidity and prevent mites from escaping. Spraying was carried out on 12 adult females of R. indica per sample unit, with seven repetitions for each concentration, using an airbrush with a constant pressure of 1.3 psi and 1 mL of solution per repetition plate. The acaricidal effect was evaluated 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours after spraying. The mortality of R. indica was proportional to the increase in the concentration of the blackjack plant extract, and the lethal concentrations obtained, CL50 and CL 90, were estimated between 1.49% and 4.19%, indicating the acaricidal potential of B. pilosa. Phenolic compounds were the majority of compounds found in this study.

Temporal transcriptome and metabolome study revealed molecular mechanisms underlying rose responses to red spider mite infestation and predatory mite antagonism.

Red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) infestation (SMI) is a detrimental factor for roses grown indoors. Although predatory mite (Neoseiulus californicus) antagonism (PMA) is often utilized to alleviate SMI damage, little is known about the defensive response of greenhouse-grown roses to SMI and the molecular mechanism by which PMA protects roses. To determine the transcriptome and metabolome responses of roses to SMI and PMA, the leaves of a rose cultivar ("Fairy Zixia/Nightingale") were infested with T. urticae, followed by the introduction of predator mite. Leaf samples were collected at various time points and subjected to transcriptome and metabolome analyses. We found that 24 h of SMI exerted the most changes in the expression of defense-related genes and metabolites in rose leaves. KEGG pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolites revealed that rose responses to SMI and PMA were primarily enriched in pathways such as sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid and gingerol biosynthesis, phytosterol biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and other pathways associated with resistance to biotic stress. Rose reacted to SMI and PMA by increasing the expression of structural genes and metabolite levels in phytosterol biosynthesis, mevalonate (MVA) pathway, benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, and stilbenoid biosynthesis. In addition, PMA caused a progressive recover from SMI, allowing rose to revert to its normal growth state. PMA restored the expression of 190 essential genes damaged by SMI in rose leaves, including transcription factors DRE1C, BH035, MYB14, EF110, WRKY24, NAC71, and MY108. However, after 144 h of PMA treatment, rose responsiveness to stimulation was diminished, and after 192 h, the metabolic levels of organic acids and lipids were recovered in large measure. In conclusion, our results offered insights on how roses coordinate their transcriptome and metabolome to react to SMI and PMA, therefore shedding light on how roses, T. urticae, and N.californicus interact.

Effects of Three Neonicotinoid Insecticides on the Development and Fecundity of Red Spider Mite: An age-stage two sex life table study

Red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, causes severe damage to economically important crops, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals etc. Management of red spider mite largely depends on chemicals. Application of insecticides may cause massive outbreaks of mite population. Sublethal effects of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid doses were investigated on life-table parameters of red spider mite. All neonicotinoids revealed significant effects on life characteristics i.e. development duration and fecundity of red spider mite. Mites treated with imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid significantly reduced the net reproductive rate (Ro). No significant difference in finite rates of increase (λ) was observed among the treatments. Imidacloprid reduces the egg duration and mean generation time (T). Emerged adult longevity was shorter when exposed to insecticides. The total adult longevity was significantly reduced by the insecticides in comparison with the control. Highest mean generation time was observed in acetamiprid treated mites. The results suggested that sublethal effects of tested insecticides affected the biological parameters of red spider mite.

Evaluation of different bio-pesticides against red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch in marigold

Evaluation of different bio-pesticides against red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch in marigold

Molecular detection of avian pathogens in poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in Algerian layer farms as a potential predictive tool

The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae is a hematophagous ectoparasite of layer hens. Infestations with poultry red mites pose an increasing threat to the egg production industry, causing serious problems to animal health and welfare, directly or indirectly as a vector of several infectious agents. In this study, we aimed to investigate common avian pathogens in mites. The mite samples were collected from 58 poultry farms in 7 regions accounting for more than 70 % of the national egg production in Algeria. The presence of 13 avian pathogens was detected using DNA and RNA samples from mites collected. Results revealed significant associations between PRM and potential pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, fowlpox virus, and gallid herpesvirus 1. Pathogen detection in Dermanyssus gallinae could serve as an early diagnostic or a risk analysis tool for infectious diseases in poultry farms, facilitating effective disease management strategies. Despite further research being necessary to address uncertainties, such a strategy could be used to enhance the integrated management of poultry health.

Morphological changes in plasma-exposed poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) using high-resolution video camera and optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is a hematophagous temporary ectoparasite that causes serious economic losses and animal health impairment on laying hen farms worldwide. Control is limited by the parasite’s hidden lifestyle, restrictions on the use of chemical acaricides and the development of resistance against certain drug classes. As a result, research was conducted to explore alternative control methods. In recent years, atmospheric pressure plasma has been increasingly reported as an alternative to chemical acaricides for pest control. This physical method has also shown promising against PRM under laboratory conditions. However, the detailed mechanisms of action have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma on PRM were investigated using digital videography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging technique that visualizes the topography of surfaces and internal structures. Digital videography showed that a redistribution of the contents of the intestinal tract and excretory organs (Malpighian tubules) occurred immediately after plasma exposure. The body fluids reached the distal leg segments of PRM and parts of the haemocoel showed whiter and denser clumps, indicating a coagulation of the haemocoel components. OCT showed a loss of the boundaries of the hollow organs in transverse and sagittal sectional images as well as in the three-dimensional image reconstruction. In addition, a dorso-ventral shrinkage of the idiosoma was observed in plasma-exposed mites, which had shrunk to 44.0% of its original height six minutes after plasma exposure.

Current and future invasion risk of tomato red spider mite under climate change.

Tomato red spider mite Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a phytophagous pest that causes severe damage to Solanaceous plants worldwide, resulting in significant economic losses. In this study, the maximum entropy model was used to predict the potential current (1970-2000) and future (2021-2060) global distribution of the species based on its past occurrence records and high-resolution environmental data. The results showed that the mean values of the area under the curve were all >0.96, indicating that the model performed well. The three bioclimatic variables with the highest contributions were the coldest quarterly mean temperature (bio11), coldest monthly minimum temperature (bio6), and annual precipitation (bio12). A wide range of suitable areas was found across continents except Antarctica, both currently and in the future, with a much larger distribution area in South America, Africa, and Oceania (Australia), dominated by moderately and low suitable areas. A comparison of current and future suitable areas reveals a general trend of north expansion and increasing expansion over time. This study provides information for the prevention and management of this pest mite in the future.