Adaptation of Gall Mites (Acari, Eriophyoidea) to Live in Galls

Anatomical injury of the leaves of the invasive species, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., caused by the eriophyid mite Aceria anthocoptes (Nal.), which is the only eriophyid mite that has been recorded on C. arvense worldwide, is described. The injury induced by the mite feeding on the leaves of C. arvense results in visible russeting and bronzing of the leaves. Other conspicuous deformations are folding and distortion of the leaf blade and curling of leaf edge, as well as gradual drying of leaves. The anatomical injury of the mature leaves of field-collected plants was limited to the epidermis of the lower leaf surface. However, on young leaves of experimentally infested plants, rust mite injuries extend to epidermal cells on both leaf surfaces and to those of deeper mesophyll layers. On these leaves, lesions on the lower leaf surface even affected the phloem of the vascular bundles. Leaf damage induced by A. anthocoptes is discussed with regard to the mite's potential as a biological control agent of C. arvense.

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Chapter 1.2 Internal anatomy and physiology

Nuzzaci¹,

Alberti²

1996

World Crop Pests

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Adaptation of Gall Mites (Acari, Eriophyoidea) to Live in Galls

Cited by 3 publications

References 2 publications

Damage Assessment of the Gall Mite Aceria pongamiae Keifer 1966 (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre

Damage Assessment of the Gall Mite Aceria pongamiae Keifer 1966 (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre

Anatomical Injury Induced by the Eriophyid Mite Aceria anthocoptes on the Leaves of Cirsium arvense

Chapter 1.2 Internal anatomy and physiology

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