Experimental and Applied Acarology (1998) 22, 523-542

M.S. Tixier, S. Kreiter, P. Auger and M. Weber (1998)
Colonization of Languedoc vineyards by phytoseiid mites (Acari : Phytoseiidae): influence of wind and crop environment
Experimental and Applied Acarology 22 (9), 523-542
Abstract: A natural increase of phytoseiid mite populations (Kampimodromus aberrans, Typhlodromus pyri and Phytoseius plumifer) was observed in vineyards in Languedoc, Burgundy and Corsica under integrated pest management strategies. The aim of the present study was to characterize the mechanisms of this colonization in space and time in Languedoc. The abundance of phytoseiid mites in the vegetation close to three grape fields was determined twice a year (May and July). Aerial (funnels with water) and soil (felt strip) traps were placed in and around grape fields, in order to assess the colonization potential provided by aerial dispersal and ambulatory locomotion. The populations of phytoseiid mites in the crops were studied twice a month in order to gain information on the make up of the dispersal populations. The species K. aberrans was found in largest quantities in the traps, in the natural vegetation and in the crops. Predatory mite dispersal occurred essentially by aerial dispersal and was dependent on the wind intensity and wind direction. Identical sex ratios were observed in migrant populations and in populations present in the grape fields, woody areas and hedges. A large proportion of immatures was found to move by aerial dispersal. The colonization potential (rapidity, intensity and regularity) was directly associated with the abundance of the phytoseiids and the proximity of natural vegetation. A deep, dense and tall woody area containing suitable host plants for predatory mites constituted the most stable source of phytoseiid mites. Natural colonization of vineyards provides considerable phytoseiid mite potential that could be managed in an agricultural landscape.
(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): Marie-Stéphane Tixier, Serge Kreiter, Philippe Auger

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation
population dynamics/epizootiology

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Kampimodromus aberrans (predator)