Duso, C., Fontana, P., Malagnini, V., 2004.
Diversity and abundance of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in vineyards and the surrounding vegetation in northeastern Italy. Acarologia, 44 (1-2): 31-47.
Abstract
Surveys of mites in 6 vineyards, in the surrounding vegetation (hedgerows and stand margins) were carried out during 1988, 1989 and 2002 in different areas of the Veneto Region (northeastern Italy). Phytophagous mites (such as those belonging to Tetranychoidea and Eriophyoidea) were seldom abundant in vineyards and the surrounding vegetation. Tydeoidea species were widespread in vineyards and on wild plants. Winterschmidtiidae species were common on some wild plants but not in vineyards. Phytoseiidae species were a major part of the mite communities in vineyards and on natural vegetation. A total of 18 phytoseiid species were found on the natural vegetation, 6 species occurring on grapevines. Leaf morphology appeared to be more important than prey availability with regard to phytoseiid colonization. Some predatory species dominated in both the vineyard and the natural vegetation, particularly Amblyseius andersoni and Typhlodromus pyri. The mechanisms affecting the abundance and persistence of phytoseiids on wild plants should be studied to optimize strategies for successful population management in vineyards. Plant species with rich phytoseiid diversity or supporting high densities of important species could be considered for planting.
