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Application of Two-spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae for Plant-pest Interaction Studies
Published on: July 4, 2014
Leaf structures affect predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and biological control: a review
1Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, 1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee, WA, 98801, USA, rebecca.schmidt@wsu.edu.
Experimental & Applied Acarology
|August 31, 2013
Summary
Leaf structures like trichomes and domatia significantly impact predatory mites (phytoseiids), influencing their populations and effectiveness. Modifying plant surfaces could enhance biological control of pest mites in agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Plant-Insect Interactions
- Biological Control
Background:
- Small arthropods, including predatory mites (phytoseiids), are influenced by leaf surface structures like trichomes and domatia.
- These structures create microhabitats affecting arthropod performance and retention.
- Phytoseiids are crucial biological control agents against pest mites in agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the relationship between phytoseiids and leaf surface structures.
- To explore hypotheses explaining these interactions.
- To assess the potential for crop modification to enhance phytoseiid efficacy and conduct a meta-analysis on plant surface effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing existing research on phytoseiids and leaf structures.
- Meta-analysis to quantify the impact of trichomes and domatia on phytoseiid and pest mite densities.
- Discussion of proposed hypotheses for observed relationships.
Main Results:
- Extensive research over 30 years confirms trichomes and domatia influence phytoseiid populations and performance.
- Hypotheses include enhanced pollen capture, predator evasion, abiotic stress avoidance, and altered prey capture efficiency.
- Plant surface structures demonstrably affect phytoseiid and phytophagous mite densities.
Conclusions:
- Leaf surface structures play a significant role in the ecology and effectiveness of phytoseiid mites.
- Manipulating plant architecture offers potential for improving biological control strategies.
- Further research and crop breeding incorporating these traits could enhance sustainable pest management.
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