Is the emerging mite pest Aculops lycopersici controllable? Global and genome‐based insights in its biology and management

Abstract

Over the last decade, the tomato russet mite, Aculops lycopersici, has become a major pest in tomato crops worldwide, both in open‐field and protected cultivation. Its minute size of 150 to 200 μm complicates early detection and monitoring in tomato crops. Passive dispersal occurs via air currents, crop management practices and commercial trade. Chemical control of Aculops lycopersici is difficult. Altered product use from broad spectrum pesticides towards selective acaricides, to meet integrated pest management (IPM) standards, has created better conditions for the rapid expansion of this specialized eriophyid mite. Moreover, practical implementation of promising natural enemies is challenging due to the complexity of biological control in tomato crops. Trichomes on tomato negatively affect arthropod natural enemies, but provide a refuge for the tomato russet mite. Despite the cosmopolitan nature of Aculops lycopersici, knowledge associated with IPM is limited and fragmented. This review describes fundamental biological data on Aculops lycopersici from the last 20 years and novel developments in the field of prevention, monitoring, chemical and biological control. The recent analysis of the genome sequence will be helpful in the development of a sustainable control strategy for Aculops lycopersici. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry

The phenylpropanoid pathway inhibitor piperonylic acid induces broad-spectrum pest and disease resistance in plants

“…The reproduction of three arthropods pests of tomato, the mites T. urticae and A. lycopersici (Vervaet, De Vis, De Clercq & Van Leeuwen 2021) and the insect F. occidentalis , was significantly lower on PApretreated tomato plants. As shown in Figure 2 ,T. urticae had 54% fewer living offspring (P < 0.001) on PA-treated plants, A. lycopersici 63% fewer (P = 0.002) andF.…”

Dual protection: A tydeoid mite effectively controls both a problem pest and a key pathogen in tomato

“…The tomato russet mite (TRM), Aculops lycopersici (Tryon) (Acari: Eriophyidae), is a highly destructive pest of tomatoes and other solanaceous crops worldwide 1,2 . This minute pest mite feeds on epidermal cells at all plant parts, eventually causing a typical bronzing of leaves, stems, and even fruits 3 .…”

Success, despite another plague year

“…The use of sensors to better manage insect pests in crops was reviewed, 31 as well as available products for detection, monitoring and control of bedbugs 32 and toxic sugar baits for mosquito control 33 . There were general reviews of biology and management of the cotton mealy bug 34 and the emerging mite pest Aculops lycopersici 35 . Challenges to the use of semiochemicals in management of stored product insect pests and their use in integrated pest management are outlined 36 .…”