Population dynamics of the main phytophagous and predatory mites associated with rubber tree plantations in the State of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Rubber trees, Hevea brasiliensis, are the main source of latex in the world, being cultivated in several states in Brazil. Calacarus heveae Feres and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker are considered the main pest mites of this crop. In this study, we evaluated the population dynamics of these two phytophagous species and of the most common predatory species during a one-year period on crops of rubber tree clones FDR 5788, CDC 312 and PMB 01, located in Igrapiúna, State of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The results indicate that outbreaks of C. heveae and T. heveae occur from January to May. Population densities vary among clones, being lower on FDR 5788. Amblyseius perditus Chant and Baker (Phytoseiidae), Parapronematus sp. (Iolinidae) and Agistemus pallinii Matioli, Tavares and Pallini (Stigmaeidae) were the most abundant and frequently encountered predacious species. The population dynamics of these predatory species were related to the abundance of the phytophagous mites. However, the efficacy of these predators to mitigate infestations of phytophagous mites under natural conditions is unresolved due to the high reproductive rate of the phytophagous species.

Predator-prey relationship in the vertical distribution of mites on grapevines

“…In this study, the number of predator mites was significantly correlated with the number of phytophagous mites, whereas the environmental variables tested were not correlated with mite quantity. The concentration of chemical components in the host plants may affect the population levels of herbivorous arthropods (Awmack & Leather, 2002), as well as the susceptibility of different clones of plants (Castro, Nuvoloni, & Feres, 2018). Castro et al (2018) suggested that climatic factors played a secondary role in the population levels of phytophagous mites Calacarus heveae Feres (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), considering that the population dynamics of these species are determined mainly by plant physiology owing to small variations in relative humidity and temperature and evenly distributed rainfall.…”

“…The concentration of chemical components in the host plants may affect the population levels of herbivorous arthropods (Awmack & Leather, 2002), as well as the susceptibility of different clones of plants (Castro, Nuvoloni, & Feres, 2018). Castro et al (2018) suggested that climatic factors played a secondary role in the population levels of phytophagous mites Calacarus heveae Feres (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), considering that the population dynamics of these species are determined mainly by plant physiology owing to small variations in relative humidity and temperature and evenly distributed rainfall. Reis et al (2008) did not find significant correlations between the population levels of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) and phytoseiids evaluated with abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, and precipitation).…”

“…Reis et al (2008) did not find significant correlations between the population levels of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) and phytoseiids evaluated with abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, and precipitation). Phytophagous mites play an important role in the population density of predators, and this can be an indicator of their potential as biological control agents in an IPM program (Castro et al, 2018).…”

Diversity of Edaphic Fauna in Different Soil Occupation Systems

“…It is pertinent that Acari is a functional group of phytophagous organisms. This indicates that its abundance in agricultural areas can be explained by the quantity and quality of the biomass available in such systems (CASTRO et al, 2018). In addition, the application of agricultural inputs such as agrochemicals eliminates other functional groups that live on the soil cover and regulate the community of Acari (CARVALHO et al, 2018) that lives among the vegetal residues in the area cultivated with soybean crops.…”

“…This contributes to an increase in the quantity and quality of food available to the invertebrate fauna of the soil and benefits the abundance and ecology of the epigeal fauna (BATISTA et al, 2014;MUELLER et al, 2015;BEDANO et al, 2016;FRANCO et al, 2016, RODRIGUES et al, 2016FARIAS;HERNADEZ, 2017;ČUCHTA et al, 2019). However, Assis et al (2017), Castro et al (2018), Carvalho et al (2018) and Čuchta et al (2019) described that the inadequate occupation of soil and crops contributes to an imbalance in the dynamics of the taxonomic groups that compose the epigeal fauna.…”