An Intimate Relationship Between Eriophyoid Mites and Their Host Plants – A Review

Abstract

Eriophyoid mites (Acari Eriophyoidea) are phytophagous arthropods forming intimate relationships with their host plants. These mites are associated with annual and perennial plants including ferns, and are highly specialized with a dominant monophagy. They can be classified in different ecological classes, i.e., vagrant, gall-making and refuge-seeking species. Many of them are major pests and some of them are vectors of plant pathogens. This paper critically reviews the knowledge on eriophyoids of agricultural importance with emphasis on sources for host plant resistance to these mites. The role of species belonging to the family Eriophyidae as vectors of plant viruses is discussed. Eriophyoid-host plant interactions, the susceptibility within selected crops and main host plant tolerance/resistance mechanisms are discussed. Fundamental concepts, subjects, and problems emerged in this review are pointed out and studies are suggested to clarify some controversial points.

Host Specialization in Plant-galling Interactions: Contrasting Mites and Insects

“…Within Acarina, it is known that gall-inducing mites' species belong to the families Eriophyidae and Phytoptidae [16]. Mites of the superfamily Eriophyoidea are amongst the smallest herbivorous arthropods and their degree of association with plants varies from free-ranging, refuge-seeking, and galling inducers, some of them economically important as agricultural pests [17]. Galling mites occur in angiosperms, conifers, and ferns throughout the world, but exhibit great specificity, the result of an intimate relationship with their host plant [18].…”

Application of marker-assisted selection for resistance to gall mite and Blackcurrant reversion virus in Ribes genus

“…Blackcurrant reversion disease (BRD) is economically the most significant virus disease in Ribes species. Blackcurrant reversion virus (BRV) is the causal agent of BRD (De Lillo et al, 2018). BRV is the first identified mite-transmitted member of the genus Nepovirus.…”

“…Resistance or even immunity to the blackcurrant reversion agent has been identified in R. aureum, R. cereum, R. fuscescens, R. gordonianum, R. dikushka, R. nigrum ssp. sibiricum, R. pauciflorum and R. uvacrispa (Brennan, 2008; Stalažs, Moročko-Bičevska, 2016; De Lillo et al, 2018). Gene Ce, responsible for resistance to gall mite and BRV was established in gooseberries (Keep et al, 1982).…”

Resistance of some commercial walnut cultivars and genotypes to Aceria tristriata (Nalepa) (Acari: Eriophyidae) and its correlation with some plant features

“…Before this study the interaction of WLGM and walnut cultivars has not been investigated. Knowledge of plant resistance to eriophyoid mites, using defense‐related plant metabolism, which can be activated by chemical interactions of the host plant and the associated eriophyoid mites has not been fully understood up to now . There are few reports on the resistance of plants to eriophyoid mites and they regard, mainly black currant, wheat, olive and grapevine …”

“…Knowledge of plant resistance to eriophyoid mites, using defense-related plant metabolism, which can be activated by chemical interactions of the host plant and the associated eriophyoid mites has not been fully understood up to now. 27 There are few reports on the resistance of plants to eriophyoid mites and they regard, mainly black currant, 28 wheat, 29 olive 30 and grapevine. [31][32][33][34] The present study was aimed at developing an experimental method for evaluating the resistance/susceptibility of walnut cultivars and genotypes to Aceria tristriata under natural conditions (except free-choice assay that was carried out in a growth chamber).…”