Factors affecting prevailing population levels of Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in citrus areas affected by citrus leprosis in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Brevipalpus yothersi Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) was recently confirmed as one of the main vectors of citrus leprosis. Knowledge about this mite's biology is essential to understand its population dynamics, in order to solve management issues in citrus orchards and explain why citrus leprosis is more severe in some regions. This paper aimed to study biological factors affecting prevailing population levels of B. yothersi and incidence of citrus leprosis. Mites were sampled from orchards in the south, north and northwestern regions of São Paulo State, Brazil. We assessed duration of the developmental stages, oviposition, incubation period, egg viability, longevity, net reproductive rate (R), mean generation time (T), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ). There were small differences in parameter values between the three populations. Our results indicated that the various measures adopted in the control of the three populations did not lead to major biological differences between populations for the evaluated parameters.

Citrus Bright Spot Virus: A New Dichorhavirus, Transmitted by Brevipalpus azores, Causing Citrus Leprosis Disease in Brazil

“…B. yothersi is also associated with the transmission of the dichorhavirus CiCSV, which is, so far, found only in the gardens of Teresina, Piauí, and far from the citrus-producing areas of Brazil [ 14 , 15 ]. The reason for the predominance of populations of B. yothersi in commercial citrus orchards is not known; however, the differential distribution of Brevipalpus species in Brazil may be associated with (i) climatic conditions, (ii) successful colonization of different citrus species and varieties, and/or (iii) different levels of susceptibility to chemical products [ 17 , 31 , 36 , 37 ]. Overall, the behavior of Brevipalpus genetic diversity in the face of climatic factors, as well as its resistance/susceptibility to acaricides, is largely unknown [ 36 , 38 , 39 ], but data suggest that B. yothersi may be more plastic than other species in adapting to many biotic and abiotic conditions.…”

Mite Pests of Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

“…They can complete a life cycle in about 19 to 20 days at 77 ± 1°F and 60 ± 10% relative humidity (RH). Eggs are elliptical and bright red to orange (Amaral et al 2018). Adult flat mite females are approximately 0.3 mm long, flat, oval, and red-orange ( Figure 2).…”

Resistance to spirodiclofen in Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Brazilian citrus groves: detection, monitoring, and population performance

“…1,2 The disease is present in the main citrus-producing regions of Brazil, and causes depreciation and premature fruit drop, defoliation, and drying of branches. 3,4 The main method for the management of citrus leprosis is the use of synthetic acaricides to control the vector mite. 1,5 However, failure to control the mites and, consequently, the disease has become increasingly common in orchards leading to high economic losses.…”