Phytoparasitica (2022) 50, 391-398

Javid Kashefi, B. Vidovic, F. Guermache, M. Cristofaro and M.C. Bon (2022)
Occurrence of Aculus mosoniensis (Ripka, 2014) (Acari; Prostigmata; Eriophyoidea) on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima Mill.) is expanding across Europe. First record in France confirmed by barcoding
Phytoparasitica 50 (2), 391-398
Abstract: In May 2020, populations of Eriophyid mites were detected on tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima Mill., in a recreative park in the city of Colombes, near Paris, and later in August and September in four locations, in Southern France. Morphological examination supplemented with sequencing data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) assigned all collected mites to a single species, Aculus mosoniensis (Ripka) (Acari; Prostigmata; Eriophyoidea). This is the first record of this species in France and the first insights into its intraspecific variability based on a barcode dataset. In Europe, this species is considered one of the most promising biological control agents of tree of heaven. This new record provides encouraging evidence that the geographic occurrence of this species is expanding in Europe which may be indicative of its dispersal and establishment abilities, two key factors for a future biological control program.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Javid Kashefi, Marie-Claude Bon

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
surveys/distribution/isolation
population dynamics/epizootiology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ailanthus altissima (weed)		France
Aculus mosoniensis (on weeds)	Ailanthus altissima (weed)		France