Survey and population fluctuation on phytophagous mites infesting tomatoes and Pepper at Qena governorate in Egypt

Abstract

Survey and population fluctuation of phytophagous mites were carried out during two successive years (2013/2014) and (2014/2015) in four localities (Qena, Kaft, El waqf and Nag Hmady) at Qena governorate on mites associated with tomatoes(Lycopersicon esculentum) and Pepper (Capsicum annum); the results revealed that, nine mites species belonging to( Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae, Eriophyidae and Tarsonemidae) were recorded infesting tomatoes and Pepper also the study indicated that, the population fluctuation of these mites recorded high population in September of the summer season 2014 and 2015 with average 153.25 and 146.75 individuals / 25 leaves respectively on tomatoes plant; while in the winter season were high population in February and December 2014 with average 76 and 137.75 individuals / 25 leaves respectively on the same plants. in pepper plants, the population of mites was a very low number compared with tomato plants in the summer and winter seasons it were 15.5 individuals / 25 leaves in March 2015 and 13.50 individuals / 25 leaves in February 2014. The results were a significant correlation between phytophagous mites, Temperature and relative humidity.