TY  - JOUR
JF  - Acarologia
T1  - Optimizing survival and field release of an eriophyid mite for the biological control of Ailanthus altissima
VL  - 66
IS  - Suppl
SP  - 126
EP  - 126
PY  - 2026
SN  - 0044-586X
SN  - 2107-7207
PB  - Les Amis d'Acarologia
AU  - René, Sforza
AU  - Mélanie, Tannieres
AU  - René, Sforza
AU  - Mélanie, Tannieres
UR  - https://doi.org/10.24349/y3yb-8yw0
DO  - 10.24349/y3yb-8yw0
DA  - 2026-07-20
ET  - 2026-07-20
KW  - Ailanthus altissima
KW  - Aculus taihangensis
KW  - Biological control
KW  - Eriophyid mite
KW  - Field release methods
AB  - Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) is a highly invasive tree species that forms dense monocultures, suppresses native vegetation, and contributes to the spread of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Classical biological control efforts have identified the phytophagous eriophyid mite Aculus taihangensis as a promising agent due to its strict host specificity and its capacity to reduce the vigor, regrowth, and competitive ability of A. altissima. As interest grows in operational deployment of this mite, two practical challenges remain insufficiently addressed: (1) maintaining viable mites during short-term storage and transport, and (2) developing efficient, low-cost field release methods that can be scaled for management programs. This project investigates complementary strategies to support these operational needs. First, we evaluate dietary substrates capable of sustaining A. taihangensis in the absence of living plant tissue. Candidate diets include plant-derived materials, simplified nutritive media, and hybrid formulations incorporating host-plant components. These substrates are assessed for their ability to maintain mite survival, activity, and stability during handling and transport. The aim is to identify practical formulations that reduce reliance on fresh plant material while preserving mite viability for field deployment. Second, we examine field application techniques designed to deliver mites efficiently onto A. altissima foliage. Approaches under evaluation include the transfer of mite-bearing plant fragments, passive deposition methods, and gentle carrier-based dispersal systems. Each method is compared based on ease of implementation, cost, scalability, and potential to establish mites under field conditions. Attention is given to techniques that minimize labor and equipment requirements, making them suitable for large-scale invasive plant management programs. By integrating diet optimization with practical release strategies, this work aims to provide operational tools that facilitate the use of A. taihangensis in biological control initiatives targeting A. altissima. The outcomes are expected to support future implementation efforts by improving pre-release handling, enhancing field establishment, and contributing to the development of sustainable management solutions for this globally problematic invasive tree.
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