A Review of Prospective Biocontrol Agents and Sustainable Soil Practices for Bulb Mite (Acari: Acaridae) Management

Abstract

Mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Acari: Acaridae) are serious pests of plants belonging to the orders Liliales and Asparagales such as onions, garlic, lilies, and tulips. Their control by synthetic pesticides is becoming problematic as a result of resistance development in these mites and environmental and health issues. New pest control methods thus need to be developed. This review provides an overview of studies related to bulb mite management. Entomopathogenic fungi and generalist predatory mites are prospective agents for biological control of these pests while entomopathogenic nematodes and the metabolites of their symbiotic bacteria seems to be less effective. There are, however, many more organisms in the soil that might play important roles in biological control of bulb mites as well as other soil pests of these bulbous plants. Therefore, a holistic approach based on the understanding of food webs in the soil environment and their ecological services is essential for developing effective control of bulb mites. For the rehabilitation and conservation of soil biodiversity supporting these ecosystem services, emphasis must be placed on sustainable soil management (e.g., ensuring green coverage, minimal soil disturbance and high content of organic matter).

Soil Nematodes as a Means of Conservation of Soil Predatory Mites for Biocontrol

“…The latter is also true for Rhizoglyphus robini Claparede, where Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood was observed as prey [105]. The latter two species are considered important soil-dwelling pests of plants such as bulbs [106] that under special conditions can have a regulating effect on soil nematodes [68]. The Astigmatina species with the most reports of nematophagy is Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), using 14 different species of FLNs [107,108], 17 species of PPNs [108][109][110][111] and one species of APN [112] as prey.…”

Unveiling Genetic Variation in Garlic Genotypes in Response to Rust Disease Using RAPD Markers

“…Of various plant pathogens, fungi are of particular importance [4][5][6][7]. Despite using protective fungicides, garlic, like many other crops, is infected by some pathogens, particularly fungi [8,9]. One of the most devastating diseases of garlic is rust disease, caused by the fungus Puccinia Alli.…”