Mite diversity and population dynamics of eriophyid mites on olive trees in Western Turkey

Abstract

Aceria oleae and T. hassani were found throughout the growing period from April to November in all orchards and they reached their highest population densities on buds during April, and leaves and fruit during May and June. Typhlodromus athenas was observed throughout the year in the majority of the orchards, and this is a first record of this species for the Turkish fauna. It was observed that A. duzgunesae also fed on eriophyid mites. Further studies are needed to investigate prey range of the predatory mites, T. athenas and A. duzgunesae and their potential as biological control agents of eriophyid mites.

Seasonal population dynamics of Aceria oleae (Nalepa, 1900) (Acari: Eriophyidae) in generative organs of olives in Hatay Province, Turkey

“…For example, the humidity and temperature values in February were 53.4% and 8.7°C for the year 2017, and 80% and 11.3°C for the 2018 (Figure 4). Similarly, Ersin et al (2020) found that the highest population densities of eriophyid mites on buds were in April and on leaves and fruits in May and June during their 2016-2017 survey in Western Turkey. In contrast, Abou-Awad et al (2005) reported the highest population densities of A. oleae and T. hassani on leaves occurred in mid-July in Egypt.…”

“…It has been reported that this species is well adapted to high temperatures occurring in the Mediterranean Region and it may be a useful biological control agent (Kolokytha et al, 2011). Typhlodromus athenas was first reported on olives from the Western Turkey by Ersin et al (2020). Typhlodromus rapidus was recorded before by Çobanoğlu (1997) on hazel and Çakır et al (2020) on walnut; however, there is no record on olive in Turkey.…”

“…In addition to these factors, differences in meteorological data between districts and natural enemies are thought to have an impact on these populations. Recently, Ersin et al (2020), determined that there were differences in the population densities of eriophyid mites in different orchards during the same period. According to their comments, the reason for their high number in some years might be their local abundance on some leaves, buds or fruits.…”

“…Shahini et al (2009) also detected that between April 2001 and September 2002 the highest A. oleae population on fruits for the two consecutive years was in June. Although the climatic factors affect the eriophyid mite population, the reason for different population densities may be due to the local abundance of eriophyids on leaves, buds or fruits (Ersin et al, 2020).…”

“…They determined a 26-82% infestation rate of trees and an 8-59% injury rate of fruit by these mites. Also, recently, Ersin et al (2020) found A. oleae mixed with Tegolophus hassani (Keifer, 1959) (Acari: Eriophyidae) populations in the same provinces.…”