Acarologia (2004) 44, 31-47

C. Duso, P. Fontana and V. Malagnini (2004)
Diversity and abundance of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in vineyards and the surrounding vegetation in northeastern Italy
Acarologia 44 (1-2), 31-47
Abstract: Surveys of mites occurring in six vineyards and in the surrounding vegetation (hedgerows and stand margins) were carried out in different areas of the Veneto Region (north-eastern Italy). Phytophagous mites (e.g. Tetranychoidea and Eriophyoidea) were rarely abundant in vineyards and the surrounding vegetation. Tydeoidea were widespread in vineyards and on wild plants, Winterschmidtiidae common on some wild plants but not in vineyards. Phytoseiidae were a major part of the mite communities in vineyards and on natural vegetation. A total of 18 phytoseiid species were found on the natural vegetation, 6 species occurring on grapevines. Leaf morphology appeared to be more important than prey availability with regard to phytoseiid colonization.
Some predatory species dominated in both the vineyard and the natural vegetation, in particular Amblyseius andersoni and Typhlodromus pyri. The mechanisms affecting abundance and persistence of phytoseiids on wild plants should be studied to optimise strategies for successful population management in vineyards. Plant species with rich phytoseiid diversity or supporting high densities of important species could be considered for planting and/or conserve hedgerows.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Carlo Duso

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation
surveys/distribution/isolation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Typhlodromus pyri (predator)			Italy
Amblyseius andersoni (predator)			Italy
Euseius finlandicus (predator)			Italy
Kampimodromus aberrans (predator)			Italy
Phytoseius plumifer (predator)			Italy