Ferreira, M.A., Sousa, M.E., 2011.
Hosts and distribution of the spider mite Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Portugal. Hale, C., XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science, Horticulture for People, Leuven 1, Int Soc Horticultural Science, (917): 133-136.
Abstract
Tetranychus evansi, an important pest of tomatoes, other solanaceous crops, was not found in Europe until 1991 when it was identified for the first time in Portugal on tomato. Afterwards, this species spread within Mediterranean countries. However, the species is also known on other plant families and can be present but disregarded on non-crop plants. T. evansi is polyphagous, but the major hosts are within the Solanaceae. The primary cultivated solanaceous hosts in Portugal are tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), aubergine (Solanum melongena), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and to a lesser degree pepper (Capsicum annuum). In this country, some aromatic plants and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) are cultivated non-solanaceous hosts, and Lantana camara is an ornamental non-solanaceous host. The preferred weed host for T. evansi is the widespread Solanum nigrum. Other weed hosts in Portugal include Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cyperaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae, and Solanaceae. T. evansi has been found in Portugal from Minho to Algarve, with the exception of Tras-os-Montes, Alto Douro, and Beira Alta, but it is more frequent in the centre and south of the country. It is also present in Madeira Island.
