Thermal Niches of Two Invasive Genotypes of the Wheat Curl Mite Aceria tosichella: Congruence between Physiological and Geographical Distribution Data

Abstract

The wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella Keifer, is a major pest of cereals worldwide. It is also a complex of well-defined genetic lineages with divergent physiological traits, which has not been accounted for in applied contexts. The aims of the study were to model the thermal niches of the two most pestiferous WCM lineages, designated MT-1 and MT-8, and to assess the extent to which temperature determines the distribution of these lineages. WCM population dynamics were modeled based on thermal niche data from March to November on the area of Poland (>311,000 km2). The most suitable regions for population development were predicted and compared to empirical field abundance data. Congruence between modeled parameters and field data for mite presence were observed for both WCM lineages although congruence between modeled thermal suitability and mite field abundance was observed only for MT-8. Thermal niche data for MT-1 and MT-8 provide biological insights and aid monitoring and management of WCM and the plant viruses it vectors. The presented models accurately estimate distributions of WCM and can be incorporated into management strategies for both current and predicted climate scenarios.

Spatial and Host-Related Variation in Prevalence and Population Density of Wheat Curl Mite (Aceria tosichella) Cryptic Genotypes in Agricultural Landscapes

“…Indeed, the population density patterns of MT-1, MT-8 and additionally MT-3 (which also sporadically infest cereals) suggest that these lineages fare poorly in cold regions (see Figs 2D, 3D and 4D), including the north central (Gulf of Gdańsk) and northeastern regions and southern mountain ranges. This pattern is consistent with a recent study that modeled the most thermally suitable areas in Poland for population development of MT-1 and MT-8, which showed that the majority of Poland offers optimal thermal conditions for growth of both lineages from May to September [32]. …”

“…MT-1 and MT-8), due to their pest and invasion potential and acceptance of multiple grass species as hosts [25], are widely distributed and abundant across the whole area of Poland. This assumption is additionally supported by previous studies showing that the majority of Poland offers optimal thermal conditions for the development of both lineages [32]. Third, we hypothesized that genetic lineages within the WCM complex avoid competition through the partitioning of resources in terms of host species or spatial distribution.…”

“…Integrating a spatial component into ecological research on the WCM complex, combined with the identification of high-risk areas for pestiferous lineages [32] should enable prediction of invasions and development of WCM management strategies at landscape scales. Knowledge of the distribution and greatest abundance of lineages MT-1 and MT-8 is crucial for prediction of future outbreaks of these pests.…”

“…Altogether, 362 squares were sampled. For map and other details see [32]. Names of the sampling locations and their geographic coordinates are held in the public repository Zenodo under DOI:10.5281/zenodo.168045.…”

Wheat streak mosaic virus: a century old virus with rising importance worldwide

“…Apart from green bridges, climate and weather conditions may influence the levels of WCM infestation and WSMV infection. It has been suggested that high temperatures are the most preferable for MT‐1 and MT‐8 WCM lineages (Kuczyński et al ., ). According to Orlob (), dry and hot conditions favour the development of WCM populations.…”