Red Mite Research Articles

Exogenous Methyl Salicylate treatment increases tomato zingiberene levels and decreases infestation of adult whiteflies and red spider mites

Exogenous Methyl Salicylate treatment increases tomato zingiberene levels and decreases infestation of adult whiteflies and red spider mites

Role OF KIT-6 on the fungicide and pesticide activities of zinc, copper and magnesium oxide nanoparticles prepared using Camellia sinensis extract (tea plant) through green synthesis

Nanoparticles have contributed to the society in many ways. They are of great use in various fields, such as semiconductors, medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, electronics, automobiles, catalysis, biosensors, paints etc. Magnesium, copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized from Camellia sinensis (tea) leaf extract in an environmentally friendly way. Surface morphology, phase identification and elemental analysis of the prepared metal oxide nanoparticles were carried out by SEM, powder XRD and EDAX analyses, respectively. The prepared metal oxide nanoparticles were tested for their fungicidal activity against the fungi pestalotiopsis theae, which causes grey blight disease, and pesticide activity against the pest oligonychus coffeae, which causes red spider mites disease in plants, particularly in tea plants. The effect of mesoporous KIT-6 on the pesticide activity of the prepared nanoparticles was also studied. The increased pesticidal property of the nanoparticles is correlated with the meso structures and properties of KIT-6. The bio efficacy of these metal oxide nanoparticles against the selected fungus and pest is discussed and compared in detail.

Identification and biochemical characterization of a carboxylesterase gene associated with β-cypermethrin resistance in Dermanyssus gallinae

Dermanyssus gallinae is a major hematophagous ectoparasite in layer hens. Although the acaricide β-cypermethrin has been used to control mites worldwide, D. gallinae has developed resistance to this compound. Carboxylesterases (CarEs) are important detoxification enzymes that confer resistance to β-cypermethrin in arthropods. However, CarEs associated with β-cypermethrin resistance in D. gallinae have not yet been functionally characterized. Here, we isolated a CarE gene (Deg-CarE) from D. gallinae and assayed its activity. The results revealed significantly higher expression of Deg-CarE in the β-cypermethrin-resistant strain (RS) than in the susceptible strain (SS) toward α-naphthyl acetate (α-NA) and β-naphthyl acetate (β-NA). These findings suggest that enhanced esterase activities might have contributed to β-cypermethrin resistance in D. gallinae. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that Deg-CarE expression levels were significantly higher in adults than in other life stages. Although Deg-CarE was upregulated in the RS, significant differences in gene copy numbers were not observed. Additionally, Deg-CarE expression was significantly induced by β-cypermethrin in both the SS and RS. Moreover, silencing Deg-CarE via RNA interference decreased the enzyme activity and increased the susceptibility of the RS to β-cypermethrin, confirming that Deg-CarE is crucial for β-cypermethrin detoxification. Finally, recombinant Deg-CarE (rDeg-CarE) expressed in Escherichia coli displayed high enzymatic activity toward α/β-NA. However, metabolic analysis indicated that rDeg-CarE did not directly metabolize β-cypermethrin. The collective findings indicate that D. gallinae resistance to β-cypermethrin is associated with elevated CarEs protein activity and increased Deg-CarE expression levels. These findings provide insights into the metabolic resistance of D. gallinae and offer scientific guidance for the management and control of D. gallinae.

Entomopathogenic fungi with biological control potential against poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae, Arachnida: Dermanyssidae)

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (Arachnida: Dermanyssidae) is a pest that causes significant economic loss in laying hens for which control methods are limited. In this study, the effects of 20 indigenous fungal strains on poultry red mites in chicken farms were investigated. All experiments were conducted under laboratory condition at 28 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% humidity. A screening test showed that Metharizium flavoviride strain As-2 and Beauveria bassiana strain Pa4 had the greatest measured effect on D. gallinae at 1 × 107 conidia/ml 7 days after application. In a subsequent does-response experiment, these strains also caused 92.7% mortality at 1 × 109 conidia/ml within the same period. The LC50 of these strains was 5.5 × 104 (95% CI: 0.8–37.5) conidia/ml for As-2 and 3.2 × 104 (95% CI: 0.4–26.0) conidia/ml for Pa4, and their LT50 were 1.94 and 1.57 days, respectively. The commercial Metarhizium anisopliae bioinsecticide Bio-Storm 1.15% WP, used as a comparator, had LC50 and LT50 1 × 105 (95% CI: 0.1–7.9) conidia/ml and 3.03 (95% CI: 2.4–3.8) days, respectively. It is suggested that mycoacaricides could be developed using the best two fungal strains found in this study (As-2 and Pa4), providing potential for biological control of poultry red mites.

Lethal and sublethal effects of fluralaner on the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor).

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) is a globally distributed agricultural pest. Of late, resistance to common acaricides has raised concerns that chemical control of P. citri is an inefficient means of control. Fluralaner, a highly toxic isoxazoline insecticide used to treat various ectoparasites, presents one potential alternative. However, little information has been reported about the effect of fluralaner on the citrus red mite. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity, sublethal and transgenerational effects of fluralaner on P. citri. In both laboratory and field populations of P. citri, we found fluralaner to be more toxic than conventional alternatives, including fenpropathrin, bifenazate, azocyclotin and chlorpyrifos. Interestingly, fluralaner proved more toxic to female adults than to the eggs of P. citri, with median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 2.446 and 122.7 mg L-1, respectively. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of fluralaner (LC10, LC20 and LC30) significantly reduced the fecundity and longevity of female adults P. citri individuals. Although concentrations of fluralaner applied to the parental female adults (F0) led to some changes in the developmental parameters, there were no significant changes in most of the life table parameters or population growth of the F1 generation. Our results indicate that fluralaner is highly toxic to P. citri, and a significant sublethal effect on F0 could suppress the population growth of P. citri, but not for F1. Fluralaner may be considered as a pesticide for the future management of the citrus red mite. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ectoparasitic profile of apparently healthy chicken in Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria

Parasites constitute a major obstacle to poultry production, leading to significant losses in many poultry farms. The study examined the prevalence of ectoparasites on healthy poultry chickens in eight selected poultry farms in Agbani, Enugu State between the months of February and March 2023. A total of 300 chickens were examined from local and commercial farms. The farms comprised of 5 free-breed local farms (115 birds) and 3 commercial farms (185 birds) . Each of the sampled bird was placed on a white sheet of paper and examined for ectoparasite by ruffling the feathers with fine blunt toothed brush. Different parts of the body were thoroughly examined and in some cases with the aid of hand lens. Ectoparasites that fell on the paper were collected for further identification. The results showed that out of the 300 chickens sampled 130(43.3%) were found positive with ectoparasites. Two group of ectoparasites were identified from the sampled farms which were lice and mite. Lice occurred more in prevalence at 125(41.6%) in local farms than in commercial farms. Four species of lice identified were Liperus caponis (wing lice at 54(41.5%), Goniodes gigas (large chicken lies) at 33(25.3%), Menopon gallinae (shaft lice) at 31(23.8%) and Goniocotes gallinae (fluff lice) at 7(5.3%) while the two species of mite identified were Dermanyssus gallinae (red mite) at 4(3%) and Knemidocoptes mutans (scaly leg mite) at 1(0.7%). Multiple infestations of lice and mites were encountered only in local farms L2: 20(90%) lice, 2(9%) mite; L4: 18(90%) lice, 2(10%) mite and L5: 17(94%) lice, 1(5%) mite. The study indicated that ectoparasites were highly prevalent in free-breed local chicken and may be associated with poor hygienic practices. Therefore, application of integrated control strategy, good management practices and high level of proper hygiene practices are recommended.

Development and reproduction of four predatory mites (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) feeding on the spider mites Tetranychus evansi and T. urticae (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) and the dried fruit mite Carpoglyphus lactis (Sarcoptiformes: Carpoglyphidae)

The tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi, a notorious crop pest, invaded New Zealand in 2020. In an effort to identify potential biological control agents for this species, we investigated the capabilities of four phytoseiid predators found in New Zealand—Amblyseius herbicolus, Amblyseius lentiginosus, Amblydromalus limonicus, and Neoseiulus californicus. For comparison, we also used the two-spotted spider mite, T. urticae, and the dried fruit mite, Carpoglyphus lactis, as prey for these predators. In our first experiment we monitored immature development and oviposition rate (over the first 5 days) of the phytoseiid predators when presented with the three prey species. While all four species of predators could develop and reproduce on the factitious (alternative and easily available) prey species C. lactis, they had limited success when feeding on T. evansi and T. urticae. Amblyseius herbicolus, A. lentiginosus, and Amblyd. limonicus were unable to reach adulthood when feeding on T. evansi and T. urticae in the presence of the protective webbing spun by the mites. While N. californicus matured when exposed to T. evansi reared on black nightshade leaves, it did not lay eggs—indicating potential limitations in prey suitability. In our second experiment, gravid females of all four predators failed to maintain their reproduction when provided with T. evansi in the presence of webbing. Neoseiulus californicus exhibited phenotypic plasticity in its developmental time, body size, and oviposition rate when feeding on the three prey species. This suggests that N. californicus has the flexibility to switch diets to survive during food scarcity, especially when their primary prey, T. urticae, is limited. This study is also the first to offer life history information about A. lentiginosus. Our findings underscore the difficulties of controlling T. evansi using phytoseiid predators and highlight the need for diversified pest management strategies, including the use of alternative insect predators or entomopathogenic fungi.

Emerging Insect Pests of Vegetable Crops under Changing Climate Scenario

Crop losses in vegetables vary greatly depending on plant variety, cropping season, geographical location, and pest damage potential. Vegetable crops are heavily impacted by insect pests and diseases due to their softness, fragility and short duration in comparison to other crops. An emerging insect pest is one that has been observed in a specific crop-infested area and has progressively increased in population over time. Emerging insect pests have the potential to cause economic harm. In other words, an emerging insect pest is a pest insect whose position has shifted from minor to major or secondary to primary pest. The number of existing minor pests is increasing, as is the arrival of new ones, such as mealybugs, fruit flies, stem borers, diamondback moths among phytophagous insects and red spider mites among acarine. Recent infestations, such as South American tomato pinworm and chili black flower thrips, have caused serious damage to tomato and chili harvests. This review envisages on the variables that contribute to the establishment of new invasive pests, the persistence of main pests, general pest management practices, and integrated pest management to achieve sustainable vegetable production.

Resistance of dwarf Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) cultivars to Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The red palm mite Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is an important pest of the coconut palm Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) and has caused problems in coconut production worldwide. Research has been carried out aiming at controlling the mite through chemical, biological, alternative, and host plant resistance methods. Identifying coconut palm cultivars resistant to R. indica is important to reduce the problems caused to plantations. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of R. indica in six dwarf coconut palm cultivars, to identify sources of resistance. The cultivars of the sub-varieties green, red, and yellow evaluated were Brazilian Green Dwarf-Jiqui (BGDJ), Brazilian Red Dwarf-Gramame (BRDG), Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD), Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD), Brazilian Yellow Dwarf-Gramame (BYDG), and Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD). Confinement and free choice tests of R. indica on the cultivars were performed, in which biological parameters and preference were evaluated. Mite performance was different in the cultivars evaluated. In the confinement bioassay, R. indica had the worst performance in the cultivar BGDJ, the best performance in CRD, MRD, and BRDG, and intermediate performance in BYDG and MYD. In the free choice test, the cultivars MRD and MYD were preferred in relation to BGDJ, and CRD was less preferred in relation to BGDJ. Therefore, we considered that the cultivar BGDJ is the most resistant to R. indica, by antibiosis and antixenosis; CRD has resistance by antixenosis; and MRD, BRDG, BYDG, and MYD are susceptible.

Tomato pest recognition using convolutional neural network in Bangladesh

The tomato is one of the most popular and well-liked veggies among Asians. It is interesting to note that in Bangladesh, it is the second most significant vegetable consumed. Moreover, tomato is served not only as a vegetable, but it is also served as sauce, jam, etc., and used in making different types of cuisines. But the fact is due to the pests, thousands of tons of tomatoes are harmed every year in Bangladesh. The production of tomatoes in Bangladesh is harmed by a number of dangerous pests. We develop a solution to recognize pests at an early stage. Five different pest types, including aphids, red spider mites, whiteflies, looper caterpillars, and thrips, have been studied in this research. To identify tomato pests, we curated image datasets from online and offline repositories and processed them using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. We used features from CNN layers for three machine learning algorithms: Random Forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN). This comprehensive approach allowed a thorough comparison of these algorithms in tomato pest recognition. For recognizing tomato pests, our methods generate excellent results. The accuracy of our experiment is 95.49% which indicates the successful completion of the experiment.

Resistance of oil palm seedlings against red spider mite attack through boron fertilizer application

Resistance of oil palm seedlings against red spider mite attack through boron fertilizer application

Screening of avian pathogens and genetic analysis of several mitochondrial genes in Dermanyssus gallinae populations in Türkiye</p >

The poultry red mite, PRM, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778), is widely regarded as the primary ectoparasite affecting egg-laying hens around the world. Besides direct feeding damage, the transmission of avian pathogens by PRMs is also a significant concern. Therefore, we aimed to screen the presence of 14 common avian pathogens in 32 PRM populations from egg-laying hens in Türkiye. As a result, Salmonella enterica (n=3), Tsukamurella paurometabola (n=18), and Avian fowlpox virus (n=4) (3 of which were wild-type APV) were detected in tested PRM populations. The results showed that the prevalence of avian pathogens in Turkish PRM populations was low. Nevertheless, these findings suggested that PRM can harbor disease-causing agents and may act as a vector in the spread of these pathogens in farms. In addition, four mitochondrial genes (mtDNAs) of D. gallinae, namely ND4, ND5, cytb, and atp6, were amplified, and obtained sequences were submitted to the GenBank database for the first time, which will allow further analyses. The genetic variation within cytb sequences of Turkish PRMs was the highest (1.01%), whereas intra-specific genetic distance was 1.7% when compared to a Chinese population (only available cytb sequence in the GenBank), indicating increasing genetic differentiation by distance. Last, more sequences belonging to mitochondrial genes are required to reveal their potential as molecular markers.

In Vivo Characterization of the Anti-Glutathione S-Transferase Antibody Using an In Vitro Mite Feeding Model.

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae, PRMs), tropical fowl mites (Ornithonyssus bursa, TFMs), and northern fowl mites (O. sylviarum, NFMs) are blood-feeding pests that debilitate poultry worldwide. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) plays an important role in the detoxification and drug metabolism of mites. However, research on avian mite GSTs as vaccine antigens is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of avian mite GSTs for vaccine development. We identified GST genes from TFMs and NFMs. We prepared recombinant GST (rGST) from TFMs, NFMs, and PRMs, and assessed their protein functions. Moreover, we evaluated the cross-reactivity and acaricidal effect of immune plasma against each rGST on TFMs, NFMs, and PRMs. The deduced amino acid sequences of GSTs from TFMs and NFMs were 80% similar to those of the PRMs. The rGSTs exhibited catalytic activity in conjugating glutathione to the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene substrate. Immune plasma against each rGST showed cross-reactivity with rGST from different mite species. Moreover, the survival rate of PRMs fed with immune plasma against the rGST of TFMs and NFMs was significantly lower than that of the control plasma. These results demonstrate the potential application of GST as an antigen for the development of a broad-spectrum vaccine against avian mites.

First record of the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Mexico, from cultivated and wild solanaceous plants

The tomato red spider mite Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard is a pest of primary importance on cultivated Solanaceae in some countries. Based on morphological characters and sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the presence of T. evansi is reported for the first time in Mexico, from four municipalities (counties) in three states: Baja California, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas, on solanaceous plants, both cultivated (tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., and potato Solanum tuberosum L.) and wild (nigthshades, Solanum cf. americanum Mill. and Solanum nigrescens Mart. and Gal.). The molecular study confirms for the first time the presence of haplotype 4 (belonging to clade I) of T. evansi in North America (Nuevo Leon state). This clade includes most invasive T. evansi populations worldwide. Although no studies have been carried out on the economic impact of T. evansi in Mexico, it is of utmost importance to recognize the presence of this species to establish sound management strategies.

A semi-nested PCR method with increased sensitivity for the specific, direct detection of Salmonella enterica strains in poultry ectoparasites.

The darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus, and the poultry red mite, Dermanysuss gallinae are among the most common pests of poultry farms. Both pests can be carriers and reservoirs of various pathogens including zoonotic ones like Salmonella. Salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne diseases reported in the EU. We developed a semi-nested PCR method for the direct detection of Salmonella enterica. When testing the specificity of the novel PCR, we successfully detected various S. enterica strains, whereas Escherichia coli and Citrobacter strains gave negative results. The authenticity of the PCR products was confirmed by DNA sequencing. The sensitivity of the semi-nested PCR was tested on serial dilution of bacterial cultures and extracted DNA. We found our new method more sensitive than the previous PCRs. We also screened ectoparasite samples, collected from a poultry farm in Hungary, and three out of the eight samples were positive for S. Enteritidis. This novel PCR seems suitable for the detection of S. enterica strains in poultry ectoparasites without the need of sample pre-enrichment.

Significant role of symbiotic bacteria in the blood digestion and reproduction of Dermanyssus gallinae mites.

Endosymbiotic bacteria significantly impact the fitness of their arthropod hosts. Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite that exclusively feeds on avian blood. While there is a relatively comprehensive understanding of its microbial community structures across developmental stages based on 16S rRNA sequencing， the functional integration of these microbes within the host's physiology remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the role of symbiotic bacteria in D. gallinae biology. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed a prominent midgut-confinement bacterial microbiota with considerable diversity, out of which Kocuria and Bartonella A acted as the predominant bacterial genera inhabiting D. gallinae. The relative abundance of Bartonella A increased rapidly after blood-sucking, suggesting its adaptation to a blood-based diet and its pivotal role in post-engorgement activities. Some of the isolated bacterial strains from D. gallinae display hemolytic activity on blood agar, potentially aiding blood digestion. To corroborate this in vivo, antibiotic-mediated clearance was exploited to generate dysbiosed cohorts of D. gallinae mites, lacking some of the key bacterial species. Phenotypic assessments revealed that dysbiosed mites experienced delayed blood digestion and diminished reproductive capacity. Whole-genome sequencing identified Bartonella A as a new species within the genus Bartonella, exhibiting characteristics of an obligate symbiont. These findings underscore the significance of microbiota in poultry red mites and suggest microbiota-targeted strategies for controlling mite populations in poultry farms.

Molecular detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi in ectoparasites & their small mammal hosts captured from scrub typhus endemic areas in Madurai district, India.

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi present in small mammals harbouring the ectoparasites. A study was undertaken to detect the pathogen present in small mammals and its ectoparasites in the scrub typhus-reported areas. The small mammals (rodents/shrews) and its ectoparasites were screened for O. tsutsugamushi using nested PCR amplification of the groEL gene. Small mammals were collected by trapping and screened for ectoparasites (mites, ticks and fleas) by combing method. All the chigger mites collected were tested negative for O. tsutsugamushi . Interestingly, adult non-trombiculid mites ( Oribatida sp., Dermanyssus gallinae ), fleas ( Xenopsylla astia, X. cheopis, Ctenophalides felis and Ctenophalides sp.) and ticks ( Rhipicephalus sanguineus , R. haemaphysaloides ) screened were found to be positive for O. tsutsugamushi , which the authors believe is the first report on these species globally. Bandicota bengalensis with O. tsutsugamushi infection is reported for the first time in India. The O. tsutsugamushi groEL sequences from the positive samples were similar to the reference strains, Karp and Ikeda and phylogenetically clustered in clade IV with less evolutionary divergence. The blood samples of Rattus rattus , Suncus murinus and B. bengalensis collected from this area were tested positive for O. tsutsugamushi ; interestingly, the sequence similarity was much pronounced with their ectoparasites indicating the transmission of the pathogen to host or vice versa . The outcome of the present investigations widened our scope on the pathogens present in ectoparasites and rodents/shrews from this area. This will help to formulate the required vector control methods to combat zoonotic diseases.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Gamasida: Dermanyssidae) isolates of Al- Baha province.

An ectoparasite known as Dermanyssus gallinae feeds on infected blood with a high frequency in European chicken farms resulting in significant economic losses. The objective of the current work was to characterize D. gallinae, which infests laying hens on farms in Southern Al-Baha morphologically, and molecularly, and to determine the evolutionary relationship between the species. All mites that were morphologically recognized as D. gallinae were submitted to molecular analysis by PCR, which focused on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA. Morphological identification of the parasites uncovered three distinct features: a triangular anal shield, a broader than longer sternal shield, and a rounded posterior genitoventral shield. Each D. gallinae sample was amplified using a single band, measuring 550 bp for the cox1-targeting PCR, and 530 bp for the ITS-targeting PCR. The sequences of D. gallinae were added to the GenBank. At the molecular identification level, this research identifies D. gallinae in Al-Baha for the first time. The results collectively provide a foundation for further research to understand the epidemiology and the part of this superfamily in the epidemiology of certain zoonosis.

Prevalence of parasites in selected captive bird species.

Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird's enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

Effects of miticide treatments on citrus red mite, 2023

Effects of miticide treatments on citrus red mite, 2023