Walking dispersal by Neoseiulus baraki (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on coconut plants

Living organism is exposed to the influence of various environmental conditions. These environmental conditions can trigger stress and compromise the fitness of the organism. As living organisms, phytoseiid mites are frequently exposed to a range of environmental stressors. In the present study, we attempted to explore the responses of the Neoseiulus baraki to environmental stress factors (temperature and humidity). Initially, the effect of different temperature (18–33 °C) and relative humidity (10–95%) levels on the survivorship of unfed N. baraki females was evaluated. Next, we estimated the walking parameters (distance traveled and average walking speed) with a computerized tracking system and we tested how N. baraki is constrained in their effective displacement by their ability to walk and survive in absence of food. The proportion of surviving N. baraki as well as mean survival time decreased significantly with increasing temperature. The opposite trend was observed to relative humidity. The distance covered by N. baraki reduced with increasing temperature (when only taking the temperature dependence of the survival time but not of walking speed and neither the tortuosity of the walking path) ranged from 550 m at 18 ºC to 100 m at 33 ºC. Under climatic conditions representative for the Tropics (27 ºC and 75 % RH) N. baraki was able to survive up to 1.5 days (36 h) without feeding and covered 0.9 m in 10 min as displacement estimated by walking.

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Survival and behavioural response to acaricides of the coconut mite predator Neoseiulus baraki

Experimental and Applied Acarology ◽

10.1007/s10493-012-9644-8 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 60 (3) ◽

pp. 381-393 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Debora B. Lima ◽

José W. S. Melo ◽

Raul N. C. Guedes ◽

Herbert A. A. Siqueira ◽

Angelo Pallini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Behavioural Response ◽

Coconut Mite ◽

Neoseiulus Baraki ◽

Mite Predator

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Acaricide toxicity and synergism of fenpyroximate to the coconut mite predator Neoseiulus baraki

BioControl ◽

10.1007/s10526-013-9520-4 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 58 (5) ◽

pp. 595-605 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

D. B. Lima ◽

V. B. Monteiro ◽

R. N. C. Guedes ◽

H. A. A. Siqueira ◽

A. Pallini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coconut Mite ◽

Neoseiulus Baraki ◽

Mite Predator

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Exploration of the acarine fauna on coconut palm in Brazil with emphasis on Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae) and its natural enemies

Bulletin of Entomological Research ◽

10.1017/s0007485307005421 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 98 (1) ◽

pp. 83-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

L.M. Lawson-Balagbo ◽

M.G.C. Gondim ◽

G.J. de Moraes ◽

R. Hanna ◽

P. Schausberger

Keyword(s):

Natural Enemies ◽

Climatic Factors ◽

Predatory Mites ◽

Ambient Conditions ◽

Rain Forests ◽

Aceria Guerreronis ◽

The Family ◽

Neoseiulus Baraki ◽

Amblyseius Largoensis ◽

Seasonal Forests

AbstractCoconut is an important crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the mites that infest coconut palms, Aceria guerreronis Keifer is economically the most important. We conducted surveys throughout the coconut growing areas of Brazil. Samples were taken from attached coconuts, leaflets, fallen coconuts and inflorescences of coconut palms in 112 localities aiming to determine the occurrence and the distribution of phytophagous mites, particularly A. guerreronis, and associated natural enemies. Aceria guerreronis was the most abundant phytophagous mite followed by Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum Lofego & Gondim Jr. and Steneotarsonemus furcatus De Leon (Tarsonemidae). Infestation by A. guerreronis was recorded in 87% of the visited localities. About 81% of all predatory mites belonged to the family Phytoseiidae, mainly represented by Neoseiulus paspalivorus De Leon, Neoseiulus baraki Athias-Henriot and Amblyseius largoensis Muma; 12% were Ascidae, mainly Proctolaelaps bickleyi Bram, Proctolaelaps sp nov and Lasioseius subterraneus Chant. Neoseiulus paspalivorus and N. baraki were the most abundant predators on attached coconuts. Ascidae were predominant on fallen coconuts, while A. largoensis was predominant on leaflets; no mites were found on branches of inflorescences. Leaflets harboured higher mite diversity than the attached coconuts. Mite diversity was the highest in the state Pará and on palms surrounded by seasonal forests and Amazonian rain-forests. Neoseiulus paspalivorus, N. baraki and P. bickleyi were identified as the most promising predators of A. guerreronis. Analyses of the influence of climatic factors revealed that dry ambient conditions favour the establishment of A. guerreronis. Neoseiulus paspalivorus and N. baraki have differing climatic requirements; the former being more abundant in warm and dry areas, the latter prevailing in moderately tempered and humid areas. We discuss the significance of our findings for natural and biological control of A. guerreronis.

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