Feeding Preference and Biological Traits of Panonychus Ulmi on Leaves of Apple and Grapevine

Abstract

Panonychus ulmi is widely distributed in apple and vineyards worldwide. In Brazil, the first damages were observed in apple orchard and later in grapevine. The aim of this study was to evaluate feeding preference and biological traits of P. ulmi on different grapevine varieties (BRS Vitória, Merlot and Concord) and apple (Fuji) under laboratory conditions. The food preference experiment did not reveal any significant differences, but P. ulmi presented the lowest rate of oviposition in the Concord varietal, demonstrating an oviposition preference in V. vinifera varietals and general preference for apple. Mortality was significantly different between varieties, with the lowest mortality on apple and higher oviposition rate in this host. Higher viability occurred on Merlot and apple. Feeding preference studies are scarce, considering phytophagous mites and grape varieties, although they are important in the development of pest control strategies.

Biodiversity and mite population fluctuation in different apple orchards in southern Brazil

“…This phytophagous mite, in addition to the apple tree, is one of the most frequent species on vines, in southern Brazil (Johann et al 2009). It commonly occurs in both cultures, however, in recent years it has been highlighted for its presence on vines (Johann et al 2009;Johann & Ferla 2012;Da Silva et al 2020;Silva et al 2020Silva et al , 2021. Panonychus ulmi demonstrates to be adapted to both cultures and can be considered of economic importance for both (Ferla & Moraes 1998;Johann et al 2009;Johann & Ferla 2012;Nascimento et al 2020;Da Silva et al 2020;Silva et al 2020Silva et al , 2021.…”

“…It commonly occurs in both cultures, however, in recent years it has been highlighted for its presence on vines (Johann et al 2009;Johann & Ferla 2012;Da Silva et al 2020;Silva et al 2020Silva et al , 2021. Panonychus ulmi demonstrates to be adapted to both cultures and can be considered of economic importance for both (Ferla & Moraes 1998;Johann et al 2009;Johann & Ferla 2012;Nascimento et al 2020;Da Silva et al 2020;Silva et al 2020Silva et al , 2021. Even though the two cultures are quite close, and with mite species in common, both the behavior and development of some mites such as P. ulmi differ (Navia et al 1998;Johann et al 2019).…”

“…However, in the Serra Gaúcha region, P. latus is considered a species of economic importance in vines, being one of the main phytophagous mites of the crop (Haji et al 2001; Da Silva et al 2020). Possibly, populations of the species are migrating from vineyards to apple orchards because they are crops grown nearby (Pommer & Barbosa 2009), since there are common acarine species in both cultures, such as P. ulmi (Ferla & Moraes 1998; Johann et al 2009; Johann & Ferla 2012; Nascimento et al 2020; Silva et al 2020; 2021; Da Silva et al 2020).…”