Population growth of Brevipalpus lewisi McGregor (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae) on grapevines

Abstract

In the Mildura district of Victoria, Brevipalpus lewisi McGregor is responsible for 'bunch mite' symptoms on grapevines. Age-specific life and fecundity tables, compiled in the laboratory, showed that B. lewisi is capable of positive population growth over a range of temperatures at relative humidity levels commonly encountered in the field. The maximum value of rm obtained in the laboratory was 0.04/day, at 28�C and 35 % relative humidity. A field study of the seasonal abundance and intra-vine distribution of B. lewisi showed that populations increased about 60-fold during a season. The rate of population increase during summer was similar to laboratory estimates of population growth potential. Although the mites were present solely at the base of canes early in the season, later all green parts of the plant became infested. Predation and loss associated with leaf fall reduced the numbers of mites overwintering. Populations were further reduced by removal of mites during pruning.

Detection of ‘Candidatus Cardinium’ Bacteria from the Haploid Host Brevipalpus Californicus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) and Effect on the Host

“…The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r m ) was relatively low for B. californicus as compared with other mites. The r m of B. phoenicis and B. lewisi was reported to be 0.061 and 0.04, respectively (Oomen 1982;Buchanan et al 1980). Kennedy (1996) reported an r m value for B. phoenicis of 0.127.…”

“…In orchids, B. californicus is a vector of orchid fleck virus in Japan (Kondo et al 2003). B. californicus, along with three closely related species, B. obovatus Donnadieu, B. phoenicis (Geijskes) and B. lewisi McGregor, is known to reproduce by thelytokous parthenogenesis (Buchanan et al 1980;Weeks and Breeuwer 2003). Rarely males are found in field populations, but their function is not known (Pijnacker et al 1981).…”

<p><strong>An overview of </strong><strong><em>Brevipalpus </em></strong><strong>mites (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) and the plant viruses they transmit*</strong></p>

“…Brevipalpus lewisi occurs from Texas to California in the United States, the Eastern and Western Palearctic Regions and Australia (Mesa et al, 2009). The mite is a pest of pistachio, citrus, pomegranates, walnuts, grapes and various ornamentals (Elmer & Jeppson, 1957;Jeppson et al, 1975;Buchanan et al, 1980;Rice & Weinberger, 1981). The remaining three species of Brevipalpus (B. californicus, B. obovatus, and B. phoenicis) are considered important crop pests in different tropical and subtropical areas of the world (Lewis, 1949;Schwartz, 1977;Ochoa et al, 1994).…”

Mite populations on grapevines in south-eastern Australia: Implications for biological control of grapevine mites (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae, Eriophyidae)

“…Amongst the minor-moderate pests of Australian grapevines are mites of the families Tenuipalpidae (false spider mites) and Eriophyidae (rust mites). One or two species of the false spider mite genus Brevipalpus (B. lewisi McGregor, B. californicus Banks) cause most concern by damaging canes and bunches (Jones, 1967;Buchanan et al, 1980). B. lewisi has also been recorded damaging grapevines in Europe (Sarospataki, 1972;AriasGiralda et al, 1985).…”