Mite diversity and intra-plant distribution in mango crop

Abstract

Effective management of arthropod communities in agricultural environments requires knowledge of the diversity and distribution of species that inhabit host crops. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the richness, abundance, and intra-plant distribution of the most abundant mite species in mango plants. Leaves or reproductive structures were collected monthly considering the different canopy quadrants (North, South, East, and West), the position of the branch (basal, median, and apical), and, in the case of leaves, their position on the branch (basal, median, and apical). A total of 28 species belonging to 12 mite families were identified. Cisaberoptus kenyae, Vilaia pamithus, and Oligonychus mangiferus were the most abundant phytophagous species, accounting for 87%, 6%, and 3% of the total number of mites collected, respectively. Vilaia pamithus was the most abundant species in the southern quadrant. Amblyseius largoensis (Phytoseiidae) and Cunaxa sp1. (Cunaxidae) were the most abundant among the predators (15.1% and 13.1%, respectively). The highest level of diversity was observed in the basal and median leaves of the basal and median branches of mangoes. The intra-plant distribution of these species was influenced by plant architecture and geographical position. Most species were found on mango leaves, whereas other species colonized inflorescences and/or fruits, but at low densities. In this study, we found considerable diversity of phytophagous and predator mites in mango plants. These predator mites may be crucial for controlling mango pests.

Interspecific interaction network of mites associated with mango trees

“…Network characteristics: The interaction network was constructed using a database compiled in our recent study on the diversity of mite species associated with mango trees (Melo et al 2023). Abundance data were considered and grouped into a single data matrix of identi ed species at the genus and species levels using specialized bibliographic materials, such as manuals and identi cation keys (Keifer 1946(Keifer , 1966Sayed 1946;Channabasavanna 1966 Environmental data: Environmental data were obtained from the database of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), from the climatic station in Recife (Curado) 8°3'33" S, 34°57'33" W and are presented in Fig.…”