Environmental Entomology (1997) 26, 256-264

J.C. Bergh and C.W. McCoy (1997)
Aerial dispersal of citrus rust mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) from Florida citrus groves
Environmental Entomology 26 (2), 256-264
Abstract: The aerial dispersal of citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), from Florida citrus groves was monitored throughout the 1995 growing season, using silicone grease-coated traps. Trap-catch was not affected by trap elevation, nor was there a consistent effect of wind direction on catch among 3 groves. Significantly more mites were captured in vertically oriented than in slanted traps in 2 of the 3 groves. The seasonal pattern of dispersal showed marked and coincident peaks from mid-September through mid-October at the 3 sites. There was a strong linear relationship between trap-catch and population density on fruit at 2 of 3 sites and when data from the 3 sites were combined. Dispersing mites infected with the entomopathogenic fungus, Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher, were capture in traps at the 3 groves, and the peak capture of infected mites generally coincided with the peak and decline of trap-catch. Mites were captured up to 135 m from an infested grove, and the mean, ± SD dispersal distance under the prevailing conditions was 10.95 ± 20.34 m. The majority of mites captured during 1-h trapping intervals were alive. These results are discussed in relation to the population dynamics of citrus rust mite and to current trends in pest management practices in Florida citrus.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): J. Chris Bergh

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Phyllocoptruta oleivora	Citrus (genus)	U.S.A. (SE)
Hirsutella thompsonii (entomopathogen)	Phyllocoptruta oleivora	Citrus (genus)	U.S.A. (SE)