Applied Entomology and Zoology (2002) 37, 663-669

Angel Ramirez-Suarez, Emma Zavaleta-Mejia, Seiji Osada Kawasoe, Ma. del Carmen Sanchez Galvez and Jorge Valdez Carrasco (2002)
A possible role for Rhizoglyphus robustus Nesbitt (Astigmata: Acaridae) in transmission of Selerotium cepivorum Berk. (Deuteromycetes: Mycelia-Sterilia)
Applied Entomology and Zoology 37 (4), 663-669
Abstract: We evaluated the viability of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk. (causal agent of of garlic and onion white rot) mycelial and sclerotial fragments transported through excreta of Rhizoglyphus robustus Nesbitt fed on S. cepivorum. Excreta were obtained from mites fed on 1) mature, hydrated and fragmented sclerotia (mhfS); 2) mature, dehydrated and fragmented sclerotia (mdhfS); 3) whole mature sclerotia (wmS); 4) mycelium (M) and 5) potato dextrose agar culture media (PDA). After feeding, mite excreta were examined under compound and scanning electron microscopes for the presence of mycelial and sclerotial fragments. S. cepivorum mycelium growth and sclerotia formation were observed in three out of 60 excreta pellets from mites fed on M and mhfS and only in one excreta pellet out of 60 from mites fed on mature, dehydrated and fragmented sclerotia (mdhfS). Numerous fragments of mycelia and sclerotia on the mites' bodies, mainly on the sense organs of the ambulacral appendages and the mouthparts were identified by compound and scanning electron microscope observations. R. robustus may also influence white rot epidemiology as a consumer of S. cepivorum and spread and/or transmit the pathogen by carrying fungal fragments on its body externally.
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Database assignments for author(s): Emma Zavaleta-Mejia

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.
	Stromatinia cepivora	Onion/garlic/leek (Allium)	Mexico
	Rhizoglyphus robustus	Onion/garlic/leek (Allium)	Mexico