Diversity of mites in blackberry genotypes in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Diversidade de ácaros em genótipos de amoreira-preta em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul

ABSTRACT:

Blackberry is part of the small-fruit group and the blackberry cultivation area is expanding as an important option for small farmers using the agroecological production system. Mites are prominent among the world’s major crop pests, as they can affect plants from growth to fruiting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of phytophagous and predatory mites in different blackberry genotypes in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. This study was carried out in the period Nov. 2015 - Oct. 2016, totaling 14 samples. A total of 11,158 mites were collected [phytophagous (5940) and predatory (323) mites, and those with varied feeding habits (4895)], which were distributed in 8 families. The species Neotetranychus asper (Feres & Flechtmann, 2000), Diptacus rubuscolum (Trinidad, Duarte & Navia, 2018), and Acalitus orthomerus (Keifer, 1951) had highest occurrence. According to the faunistic classification, the N. asper phytophagous species is predominant in genotypes 128 and 178; whereas, D. rubuscolum is predominant in genotype 132. Monitoring of these genotypes is recommended to detect possible damage to the crop.

Key words:
Rubus spp.; faunistic analysis; phytophagous; predators.

RESUMO:

A amoreira-preta faz parte do grupo das pequenas frutas e sua área de cultivo está em plena expansão, sendo uma opção importante para os pequenos agricultores que usam o sistema de produção agroecológico. Os ácaros destacam-se dentre as principais pragas da cultura em nível mundial, pois eles podem comprometer desde o crescimento das plantas até sua frutificação. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar a ocorrência de ácaros fitófagos e predadores em diferentes genótipos de amoreira preta no município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Este estudo foi realizado no período novembro de 2015 a outubro de 2016, totalizando 14 amostragens. Um total de 11.158 ácaros coletou-se (5.940 ácaros fitófagos, 323 ácaros predadores, e 4.895 ácaros de alimentação variada), que estavam distribuídos em oito famílias. As espécies Neotetranychus asper (Feres & Flechtmann, 2000), Diptacus rubuscolum (Trinidad, Duarte & Navia, 2018), e Acalitus orthomerus (Keifer, 1951) tiveram maior ocorrência. De acordo com a classificação faunística, a espécie fitófaga N. asper é predominante nos genótipos 128 e 178, enquanto a espécie D. rubuscolum é predominante no genótipo 132. Monitorar esses genótipos é recomendado para detectar possíveis danos à cultura.

Palavras-chave:
Rubus spp.; diversidade; fitófagos; predador.

INTRODUCTION:

Cultivation of the blackberry tree (Rubus spp., Rosaceae) is expanding in Brazil, and it has been used in an agroecological production system (ANTUNES et al., 2010) due to its great adaptability, low installation cost, and management. In Brazil, its cultivation began in the 1970s, with development in the breeding program (RASEIRA & FRANZON, 2012). The cultivars currently used in Brazil are the result of crosses of the native and North-American genetic material (ANTUNES et al., 2014).

Blackberry is subject to a considerable number of pests, such as with other crops, and they can affect the blackberry tree by affecting its production (PAGOT et al., 2007). Currently, pest management in Brazil is restricted and based only on working knowledge, since research-generated information is lacking (NAVA et al., 2007). Blackberry weevil (Eulechriops rubi) and fruit fly (Anastrephaspp.) were cited as the main pests in Brazil (NAVA et al., 2007; ANTUNES et al., 2014). In addition, the presence of mites has already been reported in Brazil, specifically in Rio Grande do Sul State (MARCHETTI & FERLA, 2011). However, specific studies are necessary to obtain information about the predominant mite species, their potential for harm, and how they could become a threat to commercial systems for blackberry production, as it has occurred with Acalitus essigi Hassan, 1928 (KEIFER et al., 1982; BAKER et al., 1996; DAVIES et al., 2001a, PINA et al., 2012) or Acalitus orthomerus (Keifer, 1951) (BAKER et al., 1996) in other countries.

Species of phytoseiids, eriophids, tarsonemids, tetranychids, and thideids were reported in association with blackberry cultivars (MARCHETTI & FERLA, 2011; MCMURTRY & SHOW, 2012). According to MCMURTRY & SHOW (2012), a low diversity of phytoseiid mites has been observed in commercial blackberry trees, and this may be related to intensive cultivation practices, such as lack of plant diversity, alternative foods, and adverse effects of spraying with pesticides. However, six species of mites of the family Phytoseiidae reported in blackberry trees were reported in Portugal as follows: [Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor, 1954), Amblyseius graminis Chant, 1956, Euseius stipulatus (Athias-Henriot, 1960), Neoseiulella perforata (Athias-Henriot, 1960), and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki Wainstein, 1958], and a species of the family Stigmaeidae. The stigmaeid Agistemus longisetus Gonzalez, 1963 and phytoseiid E. stipulatus and N. californicus (PINA et al., 2012) mites were the most common of those predators.

The study conducted by MARCHETTI & FERLA (2011) on blackberry cultivars (Brazo, Caingangue, and Tupy) in the municipality of Ilópolis (RS) showed that the occurrence of phytophagous mites of the families Diptilomiopidae and Tetranychidae was predominant and those of the Tenuipalpidae family was smaller in number. Among predatory mites, the families Stigmaeidae (Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira, 2002) was the most abundant species) and Phytoseiidae (Typhlodromalus aripo (DeLeon, 1967) was the most prevalent species in the Caingangue cultivar) were outstanding.

Given this scenario, knowledge about mite diversity in various blackberry genotypes in the southern region of RS will provide additional information to further studies in other regions of this state. This knowledge, along with subsequent studies on Biology and Ecology of mites, will contribute to the management of potential pests in the crop. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the fauna of mites in blackberry genotypes in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was carried out in the period Nov. 2015 - Oct. 2016 in an experimental orchard of Embrapa Clima Temperado (latitude 31° 42’S, longitude 52° 24’O, and altitude de 57m), in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Blackberry genotypes 128, 132, 139, 164, 178, 181, and 198 and “Tupy” were used. All plants were arranged in parallel lines (50cm between plants and 3m between rows), without support system, except those of Tupy cultivar, which were supported by two wire strands and driven approximately in V. Five plants (replicates) per genotype were evaluated. In each crop and in the period of experimentation, the plants were kept without agrotoxic application and the cultural treatments were carried out according to the technical recommendations for the crop.

Samples were collected monthly from November to October, except in November and December (fruiting months), when they were collected biweekly (total: 14 samplings). Six leaflets (two in each of the upper, middle and lower thirds) were collected from each plant (total: 240 leaflets per sample). In the flowering and fruiting period, two flowers and four fruits (both from the upper and middle third) were collected per repetition, and 10 samples were collected per genotype (total: 80 flowers and 160 fruits) per collection season. Samples were placed in paper bags and packed in styrofoam boxes to be transported to the Acarology Laboratory (Federal University of Pelotas), where they were processed (under a Nikon SMZ 745 stereomicroscope, with the help of brushes and tweezers). Mites were identified in the same laboratory using a phase-contrast (Nikon E200) microscope.

In the laboratory, the leaves were observed (on the adaxial and abaxial surface) under a stereomicroscope, when the mites were collected and quantified. Regarding Eriophyoidea, mites were quantified in 1cm² area of the leaf (on the abaxial surface) by which it is united with the petiole. Fruits were evaluated in only half the sample, examining the regions between drupes and counting the number of specimens. Specimens collected from leaves, flowers, and fruits were transferred to Eppendorf flasks containing 70% alcohol solution. Then, they were mounted on slides containing Hoyer’s medium, remaining in an oven (50^oC; 10-15 days), and adult mites were then identified and quantified.

The morphological characters observed on both surfaces of the leaves were described from samples of different parts of the plants. The presence or absence of acule and domatia (GONÇALVES & LORENZI, 2007) and trichomes and types of tricoma and indument (BEENTJE, 2016) were evaluated according to the literature. Leaf trichome densities were evaluated by comparing genotypes. This morphological description was performed at the Botanical Laboratory (Embrapa Clima Temperado).

Results were analyzed using the AnaFau software (MORAES et al., 2003). The faunistic indexes for dominance, abundance, frequency, constancy, and Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’) were calculated to characterize the mite fauna in different blackberry genotypes.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

The occurrence of 12 species of mites distributed in eight families was recorded (Table 1), totaling 11,158 mites classified as phytophagous (5940), predatory (323), and miscellaneous-feeding (4895) mites. In analyzing mite distribution per family, the Tydeidae, Diptilomiopidae, Tetranychidae, and Eriophyidae families showed a higher representability. The predominance of certain mite families may be associated with their preference for the host plant, favoring their establishment and development. In addition, the presence of the tetranychid Neotetranychus asper (Feres & Flechtmann, 2000) and tydeid Tydeus californicus (Banks, 1904) was observed in all plant genotypes. Conversely, the eriophyoid Diptacus rubuscolum (Trinidad, Duarte & Navia, 2018) showed a relatively-high population in all plant genotypes in the months of November, December, and January of 2016; although, this species has only been described recently by TRINIDAD et al. (2018). However, the eriophid Acalitus orthomerus (Keifer, 1951) occurred in drupes in greater quantity in Dec. 2015 and Jan. 2016, when fruits reach maturation and are harvested; although, it has not been sampled in leaves, floral buds, or open flowers. This has led to a drastic reduction in mite population, which is also related to the significant seasonal changes in host plant morphology (DAVIES et al., 2001b) and it is good if the decrease in the number of mites in the plant is considered.

Table 1
Mite species present in blackberry genotypes. Pelotas, RS.

Families/Species	-------------Individuals------------
	(N)	%
Tetranychidae
Neotetranychus asper (Feres &Flechtmann, 2002)	1638	14.68
Oligonychus yothersi(McGregor, 1915)	211	1.89
Diptilomiopidae
Diptacus rubuscolum(Trinidad, Duarte & Navia, 2018)	1864	16.71
Eriophyidae
Acalitus orthomerus (Keifer, 1951)	1204	10.79
Tarsonemidae
Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1904)	1005	9
Tenuipalpidae
Brevipalpus spp. (Donnadieu, 1875)	18	0.16
Stigmaeidae
Agistemus spp. (Sumers, 1960)	167	1.50
Tydeidae
Tydeus californicus(Banks, 1904)	4895	43.87
Phytoseiidae
Euseius mesembrinus (Dean,1957)	33	0.30
Amblyseius operculatus (DeLeon 1967)	5	0.04
Galendromus (Galendromus) annectens(De Leon, 1958)	10	0.09
Typhlodromalus aripo (DeLeon, 1967)	108	0.97
Total	11,158	100

Significant differences were observed between the number of mites in each genotype evaluated (Table 2). The N. asper had a similar frequency in the plant genotypes 139, 164, 181, and 198 and “Tupy”. However, genotype 164 and “Tupy” were the most favorable for the tetranychid mite Oligonychus yothersi (McGregor, 1915). Diptacus rubuscolum, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1904), and Brevipalpus spp. (Donnadieu, 1875) showed no significant difference in the evaluated genotypes and “Tupy”. Acalitus orthomerus had a similar occurrence in all genotypes (except genotype 128) and “Tupy”. Tydeus californicus occurred similarly in genotypes 132, 139, 164, 178, and 198 and “Tupy”. Few mites Euseius mesembrinus (Dean, 1957) were found mostly in genotype 128 and “Tupy”. Phytoseiid mites Amblyseius operculatus (De Leon, 1967), Galendromus (Galendromus) annectens (De Leon, 1958), and Typhlodromalus aripo (De Leon, 1967) did not differ in the number of individuals in each genotype and “Tupy”.

Table 2
Average number of mites per plant collected in blackberry orchard in the period Nov 2015 - Oct. 2016, in the municipality of Pelotas, RS.

Mite species	----------------------------------------------Blackberry genotypes and cultivar---------------------------------------
	128	132	139	164	178	181	198	Tupy
Neotetranychus asper	24bcABC	5dBC	33abB	110aA	8cdBC	33abA	73aAB	52abA
Oligonychus yothersi	2bCD	0bC	0bC	22aBC	1bDE	1bC	1bCD	15aB
Diptacus rubuscolum	84aA	66aA	41aB	38aAB	32aB	29aA	48aAB	17aAB
Acalitus orthomerus	7bBCD	11abB	7aB	31abBC	19abBC	24abAB	43abAB	63aA
Polyphagotarsonemus latus	2aBCD	4aBC	57aC	1aD	0aE	49aAB	137aBC	0aD
Brevipalpus sp.	1aCD	0aC	0aC	2aD	0aE	0aC	1aCD	0aD
Agistemus spp.	2bCD	2bBC	2abC	8abCD	2abDE	7abAB	2abCD	10aBC
Tydeus californicus	58bcAB	98abA	258aA	143abA	247aA	21cAB	113abA	68abA
Euseius brazili	4aABCD	0bC	1bC	0bD	1bDE	0bC	0bD	2abD
Amblyseius operculatus	0aD	0aC	0aC	0aD	0aE	1aC	0aD	0aD
Galendromus (G.) annectens	0aD	0aC	0aC	1aD	0aE	0aC	0aD	0aD
Typhlodromalus aripo	2aCD	1aBC	4aC	3aD	4aCD	4aC	1aCD	3aCD

• ^*Numbers followed by the same lowercase letter in the row and upper case in the column do not differ by the Tukey test (5% probability).

Regarding the number of occurrences, N. asper, D. rubuscolum, and T. californicus showed similar amounts in genotypes 128 and 164 (Table 2). In genotype 132, the observed number of D. rubuscolum and T. californicus was similar. Tydeus californicus showed difference in relation to other mite species reported in genotypes 139 and 178. Genotype 181 showed no difference in the number of N. asper, D. rubuscolum, A. orthomerus, P. latus, Agistemus spp., and T. californicus. Occurrence of N. asper, D. rubuscolum, A. orthomerus, and T. californicus did not differ in the number of individuals in genotype 198 and “Tupy”.

According to the faunal analysis (Tables 3 and 4), variation in mite distribution and behavior was observed in various genotypes. This may be related to the differences between genotypes regarding morphological characters on the adaxial surface of the leaf (Table 5). In genotypes 128 and 178, N. asper, D. rubuscolum, and T. californicus were considered prevailing, as they reached the maximum rates in faunal classification (Tables 3 and 4). For genotype 128, only the E. mesembrinus predatory mite showed to be dominant, very abundant, very frequent, and constant. This may suggest that the complex of phytoseiid mites found in the present study was not sufficient to regulate the number of these species of pest mites.

Table 3
Faunal analysis of adult mites collected in blackberry orchard in the period Nov. 2015 - Oct 2016, in the municipality of Pelotas, RS.

------------------------------------------------------Blackberry genotypes---------------------------------------------------

Mite families and species

---------------128------------

--------------132------------

---------------139------------

-----------164--------

N

D

A

F

C

N

D

A

F

C

N

D

A

F

C

N

D

A

F

C

Tetranychidae

N. asper

119

Sd

sa

sf

w

26

d

c

f

y

115

d

c

f

w

549

d

va

vf

w

O.yothersi

9

Nd

c

f

z

1

nd

d

lf

z

1

nd

d

lf

z

109

nd

c

f

y

Diptilomiopidae

D. rubuscolum

420

Sd

sa

sf

w

329

sd

sa

sf

w

214

d

va

vf

w

198

d

c

f

w

Eriophyidae

A.orthomerus

17

D

va

vf

z

56

d

va

vf

z

276

d

va

vf

y

154

nd

c

f

y

Tarsonemidae

P. latus

12

d

c

f

w

19

d

c

f

w

35

nd

c

f

z

5

nd

d

lf

z

Tenuipalpidae

Brevipalpus spp.

5

nd

d

lf

z

0

-

-

-

-

0

-

-

-

-

10

nd

d

lf

y

Stigmaeidae

Agistemus spp.

7

nd

c

f

z

8

nd

c

f

z

8

nd

c

f

z

38

nd

c

f

w

Tydeidae

T.californicus

288

sd

sa

sf

w

491

sd

sa

sf

w

1289

sd

sa

sf

w

611

d

va

vf

w

Phytoseiidae

E.mesembrinus

19

d

va

vf

w

0

-

-

-

-

6

nd

d

lf

y

0

-

-

-

-

A. operculatus

1

nd

r

lf

z

0

-

-

-

-

0

-

-

-

-

0

-

-

-

-

G. annectens

1

nd

r

lf

z

1

nd

d

lf

z

2

nd

d

lf

z

3

nd

d

lf

z

T.aripo

13

d

c

f

y

7

nd

c

f

z

18

nd

c

f

w

14

nd

d

lf

y

Diversity index

--------------1.39------------

-------------1.14------------

--------------1.13----------

-----------1.56--------

• D: Dominance (sd: superdominant; d: dominant; nd: non-dominant); A: Abundance (sa: superabundant; va: very abundant; a: abundant; c: common; d: disperse; r: rare); F: Frequency (sf: super frequent; vf: very frequent; f: frequent; lf: little frequent); C: Constancy (w: constant; y: accessory; z: accidental); Dominance: Method of Sakagami and Larroca. N: total of individuals.

Table 4
Faunal analysis of adult mites collected in blackberry orchard in the period Nov 2015 - Oct 2016, in the municipality of Pelotas, RS.

--------------------------------------------------Blackberry genotypesand cultivar-----------------------------------------

Mite families and species

-------------178------------

-----------181------------

------------198------------

--------------Tupy-------------

N

D

A

F

C

N

D

A

F

C

N

D

A

F

C

N

D

A

F

C

Tetranychidae

N. asper

40

sd

sa

sf

w

165

d

va

vf

w

362

d

C

f

w

262

d

va

vf

w

O.yothersi

6

nd

c

f

z

3

nd

r

lf

z

12

nd

D

lf

y

70

nd

c

f

w

Diptilomiopidae

D. rubuscolum

161

Sd

sa

sf

w

146

d

va

vf

w

315

d

C

f

w

81

nd

c

f

w

Eriophyidae

A.orthomerus

101

Sd

sa

sf

y

121

d

c

f

z

163

nd

C

f

z

316

d

va

vf

y

Tarsonemidae

P. latus

0

-

-

-

-

245

d

va

vf

z

687

d

Va

vf

z

2

nd

r

lf

z

Tenuipalpidae

Brevipalpus spp.

0

-

-

-

-

0

-

-

-

-

3

nd

R

lf

z

0

-

-

-

-

Stigmaeidae

Agistemus spp.

10

d

c

f

y

34

nd

c

f

w

10

nd

R

lf

w

52

nd

c

f

w

Tydeidae

T.californicus

1235

sd

sa

sf

w

103

d

c

f

w

539

d

Va

vf

w

339

d

va

vf

w

Phytoseiidae

E.mesembrinus

3

nd

c

f

z

1

nd

r

lf

z

0

-

-

-

-

4

nd

d

lf

z

A. operculatus

1

nd

d

lf

z

2

nd

r

lf

z

0

-

-

-

-

1

nd

r

lf

z

G.annectens

2

nd

c

f

z

1

nd

r

lf

z

0

-

-

-

-

0

-

-

-

-

T.aripo

20

d

va

vf

y

20

nd

d

lf

y

4

nd

R

lf

z

12

nd

d

lf

w

Diversity index

-------------0.83-----------

------------1.79----------

------------1.58-------------

--------------1.64--------------

• D: Dominance (sd: superdominant; d: dominant; nd: non-dominant), A: Abundance (sa: superabundant; va: very abundant; a: abundant; c: common; d: disperse; r: rare), F: Frequency (sf: super frequent; vf: very frequent; f: frequent; lf: little frequent), C: Constancy (w: constant; y: accessory; z: accidental); Dominance: Method of Sakagami and Larroca. N: total of individuals.

The same species was also reported by MARCHETTI & FERLA (2011) and occurred in Brazos and Tupy cultivars. Mites of the genus Euseius are classified as generalist predators, for which pollen is an important part of the diet, increasing their reproductive potential after flowering (MCMURTRY et al., 2013).

Typhlodromalus aripo was another phytoseiid that reached high values for abundance and frequency rates in genotype 178. This species was reported in the Caingangue blackberry cultivar (MARCHETTI & FERLA, 2011) and it was confirmed both to use herbivorous-induced volatile compounds to seek prey and discriminate between pubescent and glabrous cultivars in cassava culture (ONZO et al., 2012). This characteristic and mite morphology were used (MCMURTRY et al., 2013) to classify it as a generalist subtype III-a predator, which prefers pubescent leaves. In all blackberry genotypes analyzed in this study, the leaves have glabrous adaxial surface and pubescent abaxial surface, and only its type of indumentation varied. Thus, the idea that volatile compounds would also influence the behavior of these mites in the crop cannot be disregarded.

Amblyseius operculatus was absent in genotypes 132, 139, 164, and 198. However, its abundance was rare in genotypes 128 and 181 and “Tupy”. According to MCMURTRY et al. (2013), this species is classified as generalist subtype III-b predators, which prefer glabrous leaves. All genotypes analyzed in this study present glabrous adaxial surface, and trichomes have a very low density on the abaxial surface, thus explaining the presence of this species in the culture. This phytoseiid species was not yet reported in the blackberry crop in RS. Occurrence of Amblyseius compositus (Denmark & ​​Muma, 1973), Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant, 1959), and Amblyseius neochiapensis (Lofego, Moraes & McMurtry, 2000) in blackberry culture was reported by MARCHETTI & FERLA (2011).

The phytoseiid Galendromus (G.) annectens, which was classified as common and frequent, was another species found in genotype 178. It was reported to occur in blackberry plants (Rubus fruticosus; MARCHETTI & FERLA, 2011) and wild mulberry along with other phytoseid (MCMURTRY & SHOW, 2012). The presence of Galendromus (G.) annectens, which was classified as a type-II predator (MCMURTRY et al., 2013), is probably linked to the presence of O. yothersi, which was also reported in the present study.

Agistemus spp. (Sumers, 1960) was classified as common and frequent in almost all (128, 132, 139, 164, 178, and 181) genotypes and “Tupy”. Agistemus brasiliensis was reported in the Caingangue blackberry cultivar (MARCHETTI & FERLA, 2011) and cited as a potential predator of the mite vector of citrus leprosis (MATIOLI & OLIVEIRA, 2007).

Diptacus rubuscolum and T. californicus reached maximum classification values in genotype 132, as superdominant, superabundant, super frequent, and constant, without significant presence of predators.

Acalitus orthomerus reached high faunal rates in fruits of genotypes 128, 132, and 139, as well as of genotype 178, and this was its first record in Brazil. This deserves more attention due to the potential damage of blackberry because it was reported to cause blisters and warts as a result of its large-scale feeding from buds. In addition, high infestation by A. orthomerus resulted in galls that do not allow budding (BAKER et al., 1996); although, mite-associated symptom was not observed in plants during the study period. It should be noted that symptoms of mite attack were observed outside the sampling period, but such symptoms corresponded to those reported for A. essigi, i.e., those that cause the so-called “redberry” symptom of mulberry (KEIFER et al., 1982; BAKER et al., 1996; DAVIES et al., 2001a). In Portugal, this mite is known as the “red-berry mite” (FERREIRA & PINA, 2012).

Thus, they are not enough to confirm and consider that it is a pest, compared to other mites in other cultures, despite a relatively high number of eriophid mites was found.

In relation to genotype 139, T. californicus was the predominant mite species. Furthermore, observations during evaluations indicated that the presence of trichomes and domatias would result in an important place for these mites to refuge. These same characteristics could also have favored the occurrence of T. californicus in all genotypes, as they all have trichomes and domatias in their leaves (Table 5). Tydeus californicus was reported by UECKERMANN & GROUT (2007) and occurs as a prey for mite predators of citrus in South Africa. FLESCHNER & ARAKAWA (1952) reported the occurrence of this same species on the abaxial surface of leaves in citrus and avocado trees and classified it as phytophagous mite; although, apparent symptoms of damage were not observed. In RS State, T. californicus was reported in association with grapevine (Vitis vinifera) culture (SILVA et al., 2014b). They offered a diet with and without pollen from Typha angustifolia L. (Typhaceae) to T. californicus and concluded that only leaf is not enough for them to complete their development; and pollen is therefore, an indispensable part of their diet (SILVA et al., 2014a).

Table 5
Morphological characteristics on the adaxial (ADS) and abaxial (ABS) surfaces of leaves from black berry with different genotypes and Tupy cultivar.

Gen.

ADS

ABS

TI*

DTL*

TTL*

ADS

ABS

ADS

ABS

ADS

ABS

ABS

ADS

ABS

DL*

TD*

------TL-----

----TNP-----

-----TTNP-----

-------TNS------

------TTNS-----

128

A

P

Pb

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

A

P

-

Sm

P

Tt

132

A

P

Pb

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

A

P

-

Sm

P

Tt

139

A

P

Pl

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

A

P

-

Sm

P

Tt

164

A

P

Pl

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

P

Tt

181

A

P

Pl

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

A

P

-

Sm

P

Tt

178

A

P

Pb

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

A

P

-

Sm

P

Tt

198

A

P

Pl

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

A

P

-

Sm

P

Tt

Tupy

A

P

Pl

Vl

Sm

P

P

Sm

Sm

A

P

-

Sm

P

Tt

• Trichomes (TL),trichome density (DTL), and domatia (DL) on leaves, and trichomes in the main (NPT) and secondary (TNS) veins. Types of: indument (TI), trichomes [in leaves (TTL) and main (TTNP) and secondary (TTNS) veins], and domatias (TD).
• ^*Abaxial surface; A: absence; P: Presence; Pilosity: (Pl: Pilous; Pb: Pubescent); Density, Types of trichomes and domatia when compared between blackberry genotypes: (Vl: Very low; Sm: Simple; Tt: Tuft of trichomes).

Tydeid mites have a worldwide distribution and they can feed on plants,; although, they are recognized as predators of small insects and other mites and their eggs. Thus, T. californicus is a predator of the Aceria sheldoni (Ewing, 1937) citrus bud mite in southern California, USA (BAKER & WHARTON, 1952). Tydeus gloveri Ashmead and Tydeus coccophagus Ewing were reported as predators of insects and their eggs (MCGREGOR, 1932).

Several foods were offered to two species of tydeid mites and aimed to know the existing nutritional phytophagous relationship. The importance of honeydew in the nutrition of both Lorryia ferulus Baker and Tydeus bakeri was the greatest revelation, because developing complete colonies was then possible. Tetranychus telarius mite eggs showed to be a good nutrient for L. ferulus but not for T. bakeri, which has never been observed in the field in association with mite eggs. The eriophid mites showed no nutritional importance, and the tetranychid Panonychus ulmi (Koch) also showed no positive result for any of both tydeid mites (BRICKHILL, 1958).

Another study suggested that tydeid mites are fungivorous. DUSO et al., (2005) evidenced this fact in Tydeus caudatus (Dugés) through the correlation between this mite and disseminated mildew in the commercial vineyard vegetation, because mite populations on symptomatic leaves were larger than those on asymptomatic leaves. This fact was also confirmed by MELIDOSSIAN et al. (2005), who reported that Orthotydeus lambi (Baker, 1970) can suppress fruit powdery mildew by reducing the inoculum in leaf infections.

Regarding pepper, morphology of the plant and distribution of trichomes influence mite development (MATOS et al., 2009). In all genotypes, blackberry leaves presented trichomes on the abaxial surface at very low density (Table 5). The occurrence of P. latus in blackberries with genotypes 181 and 198 could be related to other causes, as well as specific morphological and chemical causes that are attractive or favor the species. In blackberry genotype 164, only the N. asper mite species was predominant. In blackberry genotype 181, D. rubuscolum mite, in addition to the tetraniquid N. asper mite, was classified as dominant, very abundant, very frequent, and constant during the evaluation period. In blackberry genotypes 181 and 198, the tarsonemid P. latus mite was classified as dominant, very abundant, and very frequent. Although, this is the first report on its occurrence in blackberry in Brazil, it is considered a cosmopolitan species. VINCENT et al. (2010) reported the occurrence of the white mite in organic blackberry production causing the ripple symptom in the leaves. It was identified in vine crops (Bento Gonçalves, RS), occurring mainly in new vine leaves after green pruning (JOHANN et al., 2009). The white mite was found associated with the peach crop (Embrapa Clima Temperado; Pelotas, RS), occurring with higher population density in the January-May period, mainly after harvesting (ZANARDI et al., 2013). Its highest populational density occurs in early summer, especially in years with more rainfall and increased humidity (VIEIRA et al., 2004). These facts could elucidate its occurrence in mulberry trees, taking into account that dispersion of tarsonemid mites occurs by movement of adult forms to regions of growth of the same plant, contact between plant leaves, wind, and even foretically, as observed in P. latus mites on whiteflies (MORAES & FLECHTMANN, 2008; ZANARDI et al., 2013).

In “Tupy”, T. californicus and A. asper were classified as dominant, very abundant, very frequent, and constant; whereas, A. orthomerus was present in less than 50% of the samples. However, this is important for the symptoms they could cause on fruits.

In the study of blackberry genotypes, the values for the diversity index (H) of mites varied in the range 0,83-1,79. The maximum value for H was reached in genotype 181 (Table 4). MARCHETTI & FERLA (2011) studied the diversity and fluctuation of mite population in blackberry cultivars and obtained a variable diversity index in the Caingangue (0.42) and Tupy (1.29) cultivars.

CONCLUSION:

Twelve mite species are distributed in eight families in the blackberry orchard (Municipality of Pelotas, RS). The phytophagous N. asper and D. rubuscolum are predominant in blackberry genotypes 164 and 128, respectively. Therefore, future studies should focus on the characterization of damage caused by these mites.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To the PhD researchers at Embrapa Clima Temperado, Maria do Carmo B Raseira, for her help during sampling, Gustavo Heiden, for his help in the morphological description of the blackberry genotypes studied, and Gilberto José de Moraes, Carlos HW Flechtmann (Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP)), and Peterson R. Demite, for their help in identifying some mites.

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• 0
  CR-2017-0734.R2

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  2019

History

• Received
  11 Oct 2017
• Accepted
  03 Dec 2018
• Reviewed
  31 Jan 2019