Annals of Applied Biology (2009) 155, 371-379

M. Schiffer, P. Umina, M. Carew, A. Hoffmann, B. Rodoni and A. Miller (2009)
The distribution of wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella) lineages in Australia and their potential to transmit Wheat streak mosaic virus
Annals of Applied Biology 155 (3), 371-379
Abstract: The wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella, is an eriophyid pest of cereals, and the vector responsible for the transmission of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). In a previous study, the taxonomic status of A. tosichella in Australia was assessed using molecular markers. A. tosichella was shown to consist of two genetically distinct lineages likely to represent different species. Here we show that both lineages occupy similar distributions, occurring throughout the entire Australian wheat belt, and that the lineages are often found in sympatry. CLIMEX analysis suggests that tolerance to heat and desiccation limit the distribution of A. tosichella. In the laboratory, only one WCM lineage transmitted WSMV virus under controlled conditions. These results have implications for the management of WCM and WSMV within Australia.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Paul A. Umina, Ary A. Hoffmann, Brendan Rodoni, Melissa E. Carew

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aceria tosichella		Australia (South+SE)
	Aceria tosichella		Australia (Western)
	Wheat streak mosaic virus		Australia (South+SE)