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A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of horticultural mineral oil (HMO), combination of HMO + neem oil and neem oil 2 per cent along with a synthetic acaricide, Spiromesifen 240SC and an untreated control against Tetranychus truncatus on okra during March, 2018. The plots treated with HMO at 2.5 (92.60%) and 3.0 per cent (93.90%) as well as combination treatments HMO 2.5 per cent + neem oil 2.0 per cent (94.14%) and HMO 3.0 per cent + neem oil 2.0 per cent (96.79%) recorded significant reduction in mite population and were superior to plots treated with either spiromesifen (91.08%) or neem oil alone at 2.0 per cent (90.42%). The high efficacy of HMO against the spider mite T. truncatus brought out in the study suggests that HMO can be an effective tool for mite management in vegetable crops.

House dust mites, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus are present in the indoor environments, such as pillows and carpets. In this study, we investigated the mite control effect of branched chain fatty acids (2-ethylhexanoic acid (iso-C8), 2-butyloctanoic acid (iso-C12), isopalmitic acid (iso-C16) and their mechanism of action. These fatty acids showed a higher acaricidal activity than the straight chain fatty acids. Among these, iso-C12 had the highest acaricidal activity (LC50: 13mM) and more than 50% repellence rate at 0.20% (8.0mM) concentration. In the fumigant mortality bioassay, iso-C8 was 4 times more toxic than iso-C12 and isoC-16 in the gas phase. However, all branched chain fatty acids showed higher acaricidal activities on direct contact than fumigation. As the concentration of these fatty acids decreased, the number of deaths decreased and the number of escapes increased. There was no significant change in the mite epidermis due to contact with any of the fatty acids used. All branched chain fatty acids immobilized more than half of the mites within 90min of exposure. These results were consistent with the tendency of immobilizer type miticides targeting the respiratory system.

Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) ornatus Denmark & Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the predatory mites associated with the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae), considered a severe pest of coconut plantations worldwide. In addition to predatory mites, vegetable oils such as degummed soybean and babassu oils have shown high efficiency in controlling A. guerreronis. Here, we evaluated the effects of degummed soybean and babassu oils on the functional response and oviposition of T. (A.) ornatus preying on A. guerreronis. Exposure to the tested oils did not alter either the functional response or the attack rate of T. (A.) ornatus. The variation in prey consumption with the exposure to vegetable oils did not differ from the control, although degummed soybean oil led to higher consumption compared to babassu oil. In addition, prey handling time and peak consumption were negatively affected by the exposure to babassu oil. The number of eggs laid by the female of T. (A.) ornatus at intermediate prey density decreased under exposure to degummed soybean oil. Overall, our results indicate that the tested oils are generally compatible with T. (A.) ornatus as they do not alter predatory responses but oviposition rate is affected by degummed soybean Made available in DSpace on 2021-12-06T19:01:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vieira-et-al2021-IJA.pdf: 1315747 bytes, checksum: a96cd87903fc4b9d55156aa6fca7ea70 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

Varroa destructor is by far the most serious threat to the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. A screen bottom board, a cultural method for mite control, is a modified bottom board with a screen that allows mites to fall onto a sticky board, or the grass or soil below the screen. Whether or not a screen bottom board can reduce varroa significantly has been controversial. Most studies show a trend of lower varroa populations in colonies with these boards, but the results are usually not statistically significant. To understand whether the negative results have been due to small sample sizes, or because the board is actually ineffective, we conducted a meta-analysis with seven published studies with a total of 145 colonies. Meta-analysis showed that the confidence intervals of the combined effect sizes were negative with a Hedges&rsquo, g of &minus, 1.09 (SE 0.39, 95% CI &minus, 2.0 to &minus, 0.19, p &lt, 0.01), which suggests that the varroa population in colonies with screen bottom boards is significantly lower compared to those with traditional wooden floors. We thus conclude that the screen bottom board does have a significantly negative impact on the varroa population and can be part of tool kits for mite control.

The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, has shaken the beekeeping and pollination industries since its spread from its native host, the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), to the naïve European honey bee (A. mellifera) used commercially for pollination and honey production around the globe. Varroa is the greatest threat to honey bee health. Worrying observations include increasing acaricide resistance in the varroa population and sinking economic treatment thresholds, suggesting that the mites or their vectored viruses are becoming more virulent. Highly infested weak colonies facilitate mite dispersal and disease transmission to stronger and healthier colonies. Here, we review recent developments in the biology, pathology and management of varroa, and integrate older knowledge that is less well known.

The need for the development of alternative types of selective control methods for crop protection with reduced use of chemical pesticides was the main objective of this present review article. This review is based on earlier works performed by many investigators on insecticidal and acaricidal property of bioactive components derived from Piper longum. The summarization of all recent works on application of phytochemicals associated with P. longum in insect pests control may be an alternative to currently used chemical pesticides for development of target specific, biodegradable into nontoxic products, safer and potentially suitable to use in integrated pests management programmes.

Adoption of biological control tools in woody ornamental nursery production has lagged behind other agriculture fields. One of the major obstacles to adoption is lack of information on the efficacy of various biological control agents in nursery production systems. The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii, sold commercially as “swirski mite,” is a generalist predatory mite that has recently been adopted as a generalist control for a wide range of mite and insect pests, including thrips (Thripidae), whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), eriophyid mites (Eriophyidae), broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus), and spider mites (Tetranychidae). A controlled-release sachet formulation of swirski mite was evaluated in three experiments to determine whether size of the tree, timing of first application, or sun intensity would affect treatment efficacy. Pest numbers on plants was evaluated biweekly for 12 weeks. The swirski mite sachets controlled broad mite and spider mite outbreaks on red maple trees (Acer rubrum) grown in nos. 3 and 15 nursery containers, respectively. Application at the time of red maple rooted cutting transplant was not necessary to achieve summer-long control of pests. No outbreaks of target pests on flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) in no. 5 containers grown under both full sun and shade, but with low levels of broad mite persisting in the shade treatment and thrips persisting in sun. These results suggest that swirski mite is a promising candidate for biological control in woody ornamental nursery production.

Studies were conducted in two apiaries in order to assess the comparative efficacy of oxalic acid (OA), formic acid (FA) and Thymovar® against varroa mites in honey bee colonies. Treatments were performed using 85% FA, and OA consisted of 2.9% OA dihydrate and 31.9% sugar in water. Consecutive short term FA treatments proceeding Thymovar® application, resulted in an average varroa mortality of 11 and 18% respectively. These varroa mortalities were higher than that in the pre-treatment period (p

In this article, the efficacy of nitric oxide (NO) fumigation to control bulb mites in the genus Rhizoglyphus and its effects on germination and growth of flower bulbs were studied. Bulb mites on infested peanuts were fumigated with NO at different concentrations under ultralow oxygen conditions in 1.9-liter jars for 4–48 h at various temperatures ranging from 2 to 20 °C. Bulb mites were susceptible to NO fumigation treatment. Efficacy of fumigation treatment increased with increased concentration, treatment time, and temperature within the ranges tested. Complete control of bulb mites was achieved in 24-h fumigation with 3.0% and 5.0% NO at 10 °C and with 2.0% NO at 20 °C. A fumigation treatment with 3.0% NO at 20 °C for 24 h, which was stronger than necessary for bulb mite control, was tested on bulbs of four flower varieties to determine its safety on germination and growth of the flower bulbs. The NO fumigation treatments did not significantly affect germination and growth of flower bulbs. This study showed that NO fumigation was effective against bulb mites on peanuts and did not affect germination and growth of flower bulbs. Therefore, NO fumigation has potential for postharvest control of bulb mites on flower bulbs.

International audience; AbstractHoney bees and their ectoparasite Varroa destructor communicate through chemical signals among themselves, but they also eavesdrop on each other’s chemical cues. We summarize semiochemicals of honey bees and Varroa, and their roles in honey bee-Varroa interactions. We also give an overview of current Varroa control methods, which can be classified into three categories: (1) chemical control methods with acaricides, (2) biotechnical intervention, and (3) bee breeding programs. Widely used synthetic chemical acaricides are failing due to the emergence of resistant mites. Therefore, new methods are being sought for Varroa control, and methods that target the semiochemical interactions between bees and mites are among the candidates. We review our discovery of compounds that alter the host choice of Varroa mites (from nurse to forager) in laboratory tests. Any semiochemical-based methods are still in the experimental stage and need validation in the field.

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, represents a key threat for the poultry industry worldwide. The control of D. gallinae is mainly achieved by continuous applications of acaricides. However, the fast-growing development of resistance, and the strict laws concerning chemicals admitted for treatments on food animals, highlighted the importance of alternative control tools. Here, we explored the potential of Artemisia sieberi essential oil against D. gallinae. In this study, the A. sieberi essential oil was analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The oil toxicity through contact and fumigant assays on adult mites was evaluated. The oil repellent activity was assessed on adult mites over different time intervals. Lastly, the residual toxicity of various doses of the oil was evaluated on D. gallinae until 14 days post treatment. GC and GC-MS showed that the oil was rich in α-thujone (31.5%), β-thujone (11.92%), camphor (12.3%), and 1,8-cineole (10.09%). Contact toxicity on adult mites showed 50% lethal concentration (LC50), LC90, and LC99 of 15.85, 26.63, and 35.42 μg/cm3, respectively. In fumigant assays, the oil was toxic on D. gallinae, and mortality was significantly higher in open containers over closed ones, underlining the key role of highly volatile constituents. Repellent assays showed that after 24 h from the treatment, all doses of the A. sieberi essential oil led to significant repellent activity over the control, except for 2 μg/cm3. After 48 h, A. sieberi essential oil tested at all doses led to significant repellent activity, if compared to the control. Residual toxicity assays showed that time exposure and concentration tested had a significant impact on mite mortality after 1, 2, 5, and 7 days from the treatment. Notably, mortality remained significantly higher over the control for 7 days after spraying with oil at 2%. Further field assays with selected molecules from the A. sieberi essential oil are ongoing, testing them in synergistic blends, as well as in microencapsulated formulations.

Best practice guidelines have been developed in recent years for application of low volume, concentrated pesticide sprays to avocado orchards. Oil sprays, an important component of spray programmes on avocado orchards, have been excluded from the concentrate programme because of the risk of damage to the crop. Two unreplicated trials were undertaken on commercial orchards, one each in Northland and Bay of Plenty, from December 2012-December 2013. Each plot consisted of a single orchard block (ca 1 ha) per treatment. Dilute (0.5% oil) high volume sprays (up to 3000 litres/ha) were compared with concentrated (1.5% oil) low-volume sprays (up to 1000 litres/ha) containing a horticultural superspreader adjuvant. Monitored pest populations were comparable in both treatments throughout the year with no detrimental impacts of concentrate oil sprays on either export packout rates or storage quality of fruit after harvest. Safe use of concentrate oil sprays on avocados is practical using a horticultural superspreader adjuvant.

The work in progress described in this paper has the objective to implement a beehive monitoring system to monitor essential parameters of a bee hive (such as temperature, sound, weight) and additionally including an image recognition algorithm to observe the degree of infestation with Varroa mites. Mites should be detected at the entrance and statistics about the degree of infestation should be made available by a web interface. As ultimate approach to fight mites without chemicals the coordinates of the mites are to be detected and a laser will be used to kill them. This work describes approaches relevant to all steps of the aforementioned procedure, however it is still work in progress and the components of the approach still have to be integrated into one system that is deployable in practice.

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are largest group of eusocial bees on Earth. In this study, two non-chemical compounds viz., thymol and formic acid, were tested against mite and stingless bee. The present study revealed that thymol was highly toxic to the mite at 24 hrs with a LC50 of 874.68 ppm, whereas formic acid presented a lower toxicity with LC50 of 10474.36 ppm. Thymol was found more are less equally toxic for mites and stingless bees. However formic acid was found to be safer to stingless bees and thus formic acid may be used in the mite control.

Varroa destructor is a kind of parasitic mite that seriously endangers the western honeybees. It has become the biggest pest threat to the agiculture of the world. At present, chemical drugs such as mite powders are worldwidely used to control the infection of Varroa destructor. While these anti-mite drugs may increase drug resistance of Varroa destructor and pollution of bee products. Although many biological methods have been adopted, the effect on mite control is not satisfactory. This paper discussses the use of plastic mould to modularize the movable honeycomb frame and make the modularized honeycomb into a biological trap. Based on the biological characteristics of Varroa destructor reproduction and its parasitic characteristics and reproductive regularity, a movable nest frame with plastic mould was modularized and made into a biological trap. Then the biological trap was set up in every colony to trap and kill Varroa destructor in a planned way, and the male pupae are harvested at the same time. The results showed that after a series of reciprocating trap, the trapping rate decreases geometrically, and the sex ratio was well controlled. This biological trap is of practical significance to reduce the damage of Varroa destructor to bee colony and to improve the economic benefits of bee farmers.

Celem pracy było porównanie skuteczności zwalczania roztoczy Varroa destructor za pomocą tymolu, amitrazy oraz kwasu szczawiowego w rodzinach pszczelich z czerwiem. Badania wykonano w pasiekach zlokalizowanych w miejscowości Senično i Bohinj (położonych w strefie klimatu kontynentalnego) oraz w miejscowości Vipava (położonej w strefie klimatu śródziemnomorskiego) na Słowenii. Do zwalczania pasożyta zastosowano Thymovar (Andermatt BioVet AG); Apiguard (Vita Europe Ltd., UK); 12,5% roztwór amitrazy w formie odymiania oraz wodny roztwór kwasu szczawiowego, zawierający 2,9% kwasu szczawiowego i 31,9% cukru. Po wykonaniu zabiegów leczniczych, we wszystkich rodzinach stwierdzono istotny wzrost śmiertelności roztoczy (p

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is an economically important hematophagous parasite of commercial egg laying hens, also affecting domesticated birds and companion animals. Conventional control of D. gallinae through acaricidal spraying is often ineffective, creating an urgent need to identify alternative management strategies for commercial and domestic infestations. Whilst integrated pest management is being considered for D. gallinae, the potential of impeding mite 'migration' routes, to either prevent initial infestation or manage established populations, has not been researched. Here we demonstrate that barriers of insecticidal glue, double sided sticky tape and thyme oil can contain D. gallinae within a specified area of a petri dish (78-88% of total mite population) and this level of containment was significantly greater than for negative controls (p values

The aim of this study was to examine the acaricidal activity of Periploca sepium oil and its active component against Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Based on its 50% lethal dose (LD(50) ) value, P. sepium oil (8.45 μg/cm(2)) was highly active against T. putrescentiae. The active constituent of P. sepium was isolated by chromatographic techniques and identified as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde. In the comparison with synthetic acaricides, the acaricidal activity of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.94 μg/cm(2)) against T. putrescentiae was 12.2- and 31.2-fold greater than those of benzyl benzoate (11.45 μg/cm(2)) and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (29.33 μg/cm(2)), respectively. To establish structure-activity relationships, the acaricidal activities of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde and its derivatives against T. putrescentiae were determined by using an impregnated fabric disk bioassay. On the basis of LD(50) values, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.48 μg/cm(2)) was the most effective against T. putrescentiae, followed by 3-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.82 μg/cm(2)), 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.92 μg/cm(2)), 2-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.95 μg/cm(2)), 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (0.97 μg/cm(2)), and 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (2.35 μg/cm(2)). These results indicate that the introduction of a hydroxyl and/or methoxy group into the benzaldehyde skeleton increased the acaricidal activity. Therefore, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde and its derivatives could potentially be used as potent mite control agents.

Background Fluralaner is a novel systemic ectoparasiticide for dogs providing immediate and persistent flea, tick and mite control after a single oral dose. Ivermectin has been used in dogs for heartworm prevention and at off label doses for mite and worm infestations. Ivermectin pharmacokinetics can be influenced by substances affecting the p-glycoprotein transporter, potentially increasing the risk of ivermectin neurotoxicity. This study investigated ivermectin blood plasma pharmacokinetics following concurrent administration with fluralaner. Findings Ten Beagle dogs each received a single oral administration of either 56 mg fluralaner (Bravecto™), 0.3 mg ivermectin or 56 mg fluralaner plus 0.3 mg ivermectin/kg body weight. Blood plasma samples were collected at multiple post-treatment time points over a 12-week period for fluralaner and ivermectin plasma concentration analysis. Ivermectin blood plasma concentration profile and pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, tmax, AUC∞ and t½ were similar in dogs administered ivermectin only and in dogs administered ivermectin concurrently with fluralaner, and the same was true for fluralaner pharmacokinetic parameters. Conclusions Concurrent administration of fluralaner and ivermectin does not alter the pharmacokinetics of either compound. Based on the plasma pharmacokinetic profile and the clinical observations, there is no evident interaction between fluralaner and ivermectin, and co-administration does not increase the risk of ivermectin associated neurotoxicity.

Insect and mite control by sufficient drying and cooling of commodities would satisfy growing market desire for pesticide-free storage and help control increased insect resistance, particularly to phosphine. The response of insects and mites to such conditions, as opposed to those specifically targeted for disinfestation, is reviewed. The responses to temperatures at various humidities within the range 9–55 °C are examined which include those that induce individual mortality, those at the threshold for population growth, and those where rates of growth are slow. Drying is examined mainly in terms of an enhancement to the detrimental effects of temperature. A 10 °C range in minimum threshold temperature for population growth was found among the insect and mite species examined. A substantial level of protection was seen at temperatures just above these thresholds. At conditions roughly 6 °C below the threshold for population growth, >99% mortality of major coleopteran species is possible after 9 months at 45% r.h. Insect mortality at moderately elevated grain temperatures (35–55 °C) is examined as an opportunity to disinfest grain during drying. Several coleopteran and psocopteran species were found to suffer at least 99% mortality at 50 °C after 2.5 h. The extent of variation among species is discussed in terms of targeting particular susceptibilities to moderately low or high temperatures at low humidities as an alternative to chemical treatments.

Extracts of seven pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) accessions were evaluated for their potential as sources of bioactive ingredients with significant acaricidal activity, which could lead to the development of new and safe bioacaricides. The crude extracts (96% ethanol) of this plant were tested for their acaricidal activity against the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, under controlled conditions. Mortality, repellency, and the number of eggs laid were determined. Extracts from the peel of five pomegranate accessions (C13, P.G.130-31, 7/34, P.G.132-33, and P.G.119-20) caused more than 63% repellency. The other two accessions, P.G.106-7 and P.G.127-28, caused 40% and 50% repellency, respectively, compared with the untreated control. All extracts significantly reduced the number of eggs laid (99%), compared with the controls. Four extracts of four pomegranate accessions (heartwood mixed with a very small ratio of leaves) caused significant repellency and significant reduction in the ...

In 1976 and 1977 the larval population of T. oleisuga reached two peaks: a. June 1976, July 77, b. October 1976, 77. The pupation was delayed in 1976 due to the more severe winter. The crashes in the winter population were therefore delayed. These two crashes conformed well with the peaks of the empty tunnels. The delay of the peak of living larvae (tunnels from May/June 1976 to June/ July 1977) was due to the increase of the number of Khamassin days in May-July 1976. The population of Pyemotes ventricosus reached its peaks at: a. April-May 1976, 1977, b. Sept.–Oct. 76, Nov.-Dec. 1977. These two peaks do not conform with the peaks of the host. This shows that the weather conditions and not the mite control the fluctuations in the pest population. The activities of ovipositing adults in artificial wounds reached a peak in May-July and decreased till Dec. 1977. Adults prefer wounds of 1–56 days old over wounds 57–70 days old. The polyvoltinism of this insect is confirmed by: Ovipositing activities of the adults from May-Dec, - its short life cycle, - tunnels are continuously emptied for pupation underground during the summer months, - the gradual increase of living larval population in October 1976, 1977. Zusammenfassung Zur Haufigkeit der Gallmucke, Thomasiniana oleisuga Targ. (Dipt., Itonididae) sowie ihrer Parasiten und Predatoren in Amman, Jordanien In beiden Untersuchungsjahren 1976 und 1977 erreichte die Larvendichte von T. oleisuga 2 Maxima: im Juni/Juli sowie Oktober. Infolge des vorausgegangenen strengen Winters waren die Verpuppung 1976 sowie demzufolge auch der Mortalitatsverlauf der Winterpopulation verzogert. Dies ging mit den Maxima der leeren Minen in den Stengeln parallel. Die Verzogerung des Maximums an Larven (Mai/Juni 1976 auf Juni/Juli 1977) beruhte auf dem Anstieg der Zahl der “Khamassin”-Tage im Mai/Juli 1976. Die Population der Raubmilbe Pyemotes ventricosus erreichte ihre maximale Dichte im April/Mai 1976 und 1977 sowie im Sept./Oktober 1976 bzw. Nov./Dez. 1977. Diese 2 Spitzen gingen nicht mit jenen des Wirtes konform. Das zeigt, das die Witterungsbedingungen und nicht die Milben die Population des Schadlings regulieren. Die Aktivitat eierlegender Mucken in kunstlichen Wunden erreichte ihren Hohepunkt im Mai/Juni und nahm dann bis zum Dezember ab. Die ♀♀ zogen 1–56 Tage alte Wunden den 57–70 Tage alten vor. Der Polyvoltinismus von T. oleisuga wird bestatigt durch: die Eiablage von Mai bis Dezember, - den kurzen Lebenszyklus, - die kontinuierliche Leerung der Minen zwecks Verpuppung wahrend der Sommermonate sowie den gradualen Anstieg der Zahl lebender Larven im Oktober.

Programs of twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) management in strawberry were evaluated in two field experiments during 2007 that measured effectiveness of various miticides, a non-ionic surfactant, and their frequency of application. Miticides evaluated included two formulations of abamectin and single formulations of bifenazate, hexythiazox, spiromesifen, and essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides. All of the miticides provided significant reductions in spider mites. Three weeks after initial application of treatments the most effective reductions occurred when abamectin, bifenazate, hexythiazox, spiromesifen were used.

UNLABELLED To investigate mites in the dust of air-conditioner filters (MACF) in China, a total of 652 dust samples were collected from six cities: Guangzhou (n = 129), Nanchang (n = 127), Shanghai (n = 113), Xian (n = 93), Beijing (n = 93), and Shenyang (n = 79). Tarsonemus granarius was the most dominant species (87.2%). Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae only represented 7.0 and 3.0% of total mites, respectively. With latitude increasing, both mite occurrence rate (P 3, < or =12 months. It was also suggested that house type could influence the presence of MACF. A negative association between the house floor and the MACF prevalence was found as well. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Mites present in the dust of air-conditioner filters are potential indoor threat to asthma and allergy sufferers. In this study, we find that the storage mite Tarsonemus granarius is the predominant species of mites in the dust of air-conditioner filters (MACF). Thus, the possible clinical importance of T. granarius should cause more our attentions in the future. The abundance and distribution of MACF are also found significantly varied in different climatic regions of China. When we try to assess the possible risk of MACF, more attentions should be focused on subtropical region than temperate region. The influence analysis of environmental characteristics on the prevalence of MACF will shed light on the establishment of mite control strategy and the design of mite defense air-conditioner.

Only two species of eriophyoid mites, Ditrimacus athiasella Keifer and Oxycenus maxwelli (Keifer), have been registered in Montenegro until recently. Late in April 2007, chlorotic spots and deformations were found on apical leaves of one-year old seedlings of the žutica variety in a greenhouse in the town of Bar. Two species of eriophyoid mites were identified from the collected material, Aceria oleae, a widely distributed species in Mediterranean countries, and Shevtchenkela barensis, described as a new species in the world acarofauna. The intensity of infestation was calculated from all visually examined seedlings (2,560), as well as the percentage of seedlings with observed symptoms. Applying the method of periodic sampling, 50 seedlings (2 % of the total number) were chosen. The intensity of injury was estimated on the new growth. Of the total number of examined seedlings, obvious symptoms were detected on 61.45% of the plants. Of the 50 chosen seedlings, 56 % had all of their young leaflets injuried. Mite control was applied three times. After the third treatment, new leaves without symptoms emerged, while untreated seedlings stopped to grow, their injuried leaves fell off and the seedlings ultimately dried out completely. U Crnoj Gori su na maslini do sada, registrovane dvije vrste eriofidnih grinja: Ditrimacus athiasella Keifer i Oxycenus maxwelli (Keifer). Krajem aprila 2007. godine u jednom stakleniku u Baru, registrovane su hlorotične promjene i deformacije na vršnim listovima jednogodišnjih sadnica sorte žutica. Sa sakupljenog materijala identifikovane su dvije vrste eriofidnih grinja: Aceria oleae koja je široko raprostranjena u zemljama Mediterana i Shevtchenkela barensis koja je nova vrsta za svjetsku akarofaunu. Radi utvrđivanja intenziteta napada izvršen je vizuelni pregled svih sadnica u stakleniku (2560) i utvrđen procenat sadnica sa vidljivim simptomima napada. Metodom slučajnog izbora, odabrano je 50 sadnica (2% od ukupnog broja) i na novom prirastu izvršena ocjena intenziteta napada. Od ukupnog broja pregledanih sadnica na 61,45% utvrđeni su vidljivi simptomi napada, a od 50 odabranih, na 56% svi mladi listovi su bili napadnuti. Suzbijanje grinja obavljeno je u tri navrata preparatima na bazi dimetoata, sumpora i endosulfana. Nakon trećeg tretmana, pojavili su se mladi listovi na kojima nije bilo simptoma napada, dok su netretirane sadnice prestale sa rastom, napadnuti listovi su otpali što je dovelo do potpunog sušenja tih sadnica.

Ras cheese samples were found to be predominantly infested with A. siro mite. Clove, thyme, rosemary and citrus essential oils showed effective acaricidal activity against Ras cheese mites (A. siro). essential oil. However, treatments of clove or rosemary essential oil negatively affected the cheese flavor. However, degree of acaricidal activity varied according to the type and concentration of the essential oil. Clove essential oil was found to be the most effective oil against cheese mite. Ras cheese flavor was improved by citrus or thyme Essential oil type affected the general acceptability of the cheese. Ripened cheese treated with citrus or thyme essential oil showed more general acceptability than other treated cheeses.

An emulsifiable formulation of Beauveria bassiana conidia was applied alone or together with pyridaben 15% EC at ∼5% of its labeled application rate for control of citrus red mite Panonychus citri in three citrus orchards (Trials 1–3) of Taizhou, Zhejiang, southeastern China during the mild, rainy season of autumn 2006. Aqueous dilutions (150 l/ha) of two fungal rates (1.5 and 3.0 × 1013 conidia/ha in Trials 1 and 2; 1.2 × 1012 and 1.2 × 1013 in Trial 3) or the low chemical rate (562.5 mg AI/ha) were sprayed to plots in randomized blocks (40-m-long row of trees per plot, three plots per treatment) with mean density of 17.8, 15.0 and 12.0 mites per leaf in Trials 1–3, respectively. Based on percent density declines and relative efficacies estimated by sampling all plots at 3–5 day intervals, the two fungal rates in each trial gave significant control and the fungal/chemical combinations always resulted in better control. The pyridaben-inclusive sprays of ⩾1.5 × 1013 conidia/ha applied twice at 15-day interval provided excellent mite control for 35 days, yielding overall mean efficacies of 83.2–92.3% and mite density declines of 73.8–91.2%. In contrast, the relative efficacy in a standard pyridaben treatment (11.25 g AI/ha) reached 83.8% on day 3 but decreased from 72.0% on day 5 to 4.1% on day 15. Field conditions, featured with the records of ∼20 °C and >95% RH for 216 and 300 h in Trials 1 and 2 (35 days) and 52 h in Trial 3 (15 days), were favorable. The effects of local weather on the trials in topographically different hillside orchards are discussed. Conclusively, combined application of the fungal formulation with pyridaben at the low rate is a potential alternative for sustainable control of the mite pest in orchards of southern China.

The 50% formic acid fumigator (FAF) for varroa mite control was developed as part of a SARE grant (1999–2001). The fumigator was evaluated for five years on 123 colonies in five bee yards in Connecticut, Maryland and West Virginia (USA). Treatments eliminated all mites on adult bees and 90–95% of mites in sealed brood cells. Very few brood or new young adult bees were injured by the treatment. The fumigator is a simple design and the overall cost of treatment is about $1.00 per hive, or less. The 50% FAF was less toxic to bees compared to other treatments using 65%, 80% or 90% formic acid. The fumigator was applied for 18–24 hours when ambient temperatures were between 15–30°C. In the USA, one treatment in mid-August to mid-September was effective and usually all that was required each year. The 50% FAF used with other essential oil treatments including salt-grease patties with wintergreen, feeding 1:1 syrup with Honey-B-Healthy® (spearmint and lemongrass essential oils), and use of screened bott...

SummaryA laboratory assay developed by Milani (1995) was used to assess the susceptibility to the acaricide fluvalinate in 10 populations of Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman from apiaries in Aragon (northeastern Spain). We assayed mites at the diagnostic concentration (200mg/kg) predicted to kill all susceptible mites. In some populations, LC50 values were obtained. Some mites were resistant to fluvalinate, which is the first reported case of fluvalinate resistance in Varroa destructor in Spain. Thus, it is inadvisable to base mite control strategies on chemical treatment alone. There is urgent need to expand and implement more biorational strategies in the fight against V. destructor.

SUMMARYTwo independent, long-term (17 months and 87 weeks) studies were done to appraise the effects of published integrated pest management (IPM) practices on colony varroa mite levels, length of time before onset of treatment threshold, and other measures of colony productivity. Screen hive floors tended to reduce colony mite levels (24-h sticky sheet counts), sometimes significantly. Likewise, mite-resistant queens tended to cause a numeric and sometimes significant reduction in mite levels; number of mites on sticky sheets decreased as the percentage expression of hygienic behaviour in a colony increased, and on the majority of sampling episodes the number of mites retrieved on sticky sheets was numerically lower in colonies with queens expressing suppressed mite reproduction (SMR). In six of eight cases when IPM components were found to interact they did so in a manner favourable to mite control. Time until achieving treatment threshold was significantly delayed in colonies with SMR queens (c. 72 wee...

Mould mite numbers were successfully monitored in tissue culture laboratories using black tape where numbers of mites were high Natural diamite and Parafilm M were the best barriers for preventing mould mite contamination Treating surfaces with a miticidecontaining paint (Artilin 3A) or bendiocarp prevented mites from entering containers holding food suitable for mould mites Mites were not killed when sprayed with aerosols and 70 ethanol

Following failures to control the European Red Mite ( Panonychus ulmi ) using METI-acaricides in some apple orchards in the south of France, resistance to fenazaquin and tebufenpyrad was studied under laboratory conditions. Resistance ratios ranged from 19.8 to 28.8 and from 16.8 to 39.8, respectively, for fenazaquin and tebufenpyrad when compared to the most susceptible of the 2 reference populations. An examination of bioassays responses showed that resistance was higher with tebufenpyrad than with fenazaquin. The recommended field rates for these compounds corresponded only to the LC 95 for fenazaquin and the LC 70 for tebufenpyrad. These results confirm resistance development to METI-acaricides in ERM field populations and suggest it could be responsible for reduced persistence of mite control and in some cases for control failure in apple orchards.

To determine the effect of newly developed insecticide on two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus Urticae, populations, ten leaf discs were sprayed with three different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) of the tested insecticide solution, and with a water-sprayed control. The tested insecticide solution was toxic to adult female and immature of two spotted spider mite, but was relatively non-toxic to eggs. For equivalent concentrations, more adult females were killed than immature stages. There was no marked difference between the hatch of treated and untreated eggs, although a weak trend between the numbers of unhatched eggs and the insecticide concentration after 7 days is shown.

Summary The heat tolerance of the strawberry tarsonemid mite Phytonemus pallidus ssp. fragariae was studied in northern Sweden by treating adult mites in hot water at temperatures 44°C, 46°C and 48°C. During the summer, the shortest exposure times required to kill all adult mites at these temperatures were 6, 2.5 and 1.25 min, respectively. It is concluded that hot-water treatment of strawberry runners for 6.5 min at 46°C would suffice to kill all tarsonemid mites on infested runners. This exposure time includes the time needed to raise the temperature of the plant material to that of the water bath. In the autumn, from the middle of September and later, the mites became successively much more heat tolerant as they prepared for hibernation. It is expected that longer exposure periods are needed to kill mites on frigoplants.

The effects of six protectant fungicides on integrated mite control (IMC) in pipfruit were evaluated in two trials in Nelson (1997-98 season) and Hawkes Bay (1998-99 season). Four of the fungicides were tested in two formulations. In the Nelson trial, thiram and ziram applied between September and mid-November reduced populations of the predatory mite, Typhlodromus pyri, and this allowed European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) numbers to increase. Metiram caused little disruption to predatory mites in this trial while captan and dithianon were not disruptive. An analysis of these effects showed that the fungicide active ingredients, rather than product formulations, were responsible for disruption. Mid-summer applications of ziram in the Hawkes Bay trial also reduced numbers of T. pyri, whereas tolylfluanid was not disruptive to integrated mite control.

SUMMARYFormic acid vapours have been shown to be an acceptable alternative to Apistan (fluvalinate) in the control of Varroa jacobsoni, a parasitic mite found on honey bees. In this relatively new and increasingly important alternate treatment, beekeepers are repeatedly exposed to formic acid as a liquid and its vapours. The vapour concentrations are significant, but the greater danger is exposure from direct contact of the concentrated acid with the skin. A barrier method using a latex membrane is described, and data is presented for the safe, effective and inexpensive delivery of 10 ± 1, mean ± s.e. (n = 6) g/day of 65% (vol./vol.) formic acid as vapour.

We prepared carpet cleaners containing three wood oils extracted from Thujopsis dolabrata Sieb. et Zucc. var. hondai Makino, Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl., and Chamaecyparis taiwanensis Masamune et Suzuki and studied their effects on mites and perfumerists' impressions. The oil concentrations were set at 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.6%. The effects on Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Trouessart were investigated. The sensory evaluations were conducted by seven male perfumerists using the SD method and they were asked to describe freely their impressions of the scents. These results showed that: (1) all three types of wood oil had a significant effect on making D. pteronyssinus inactive at 0.1% concentration; and (2) the wood oil of T. dolabrata evoked refreshing, natural, rich, and intellectual feelings; C. obtusa oil evoked vivacious, rich, and intellectual feelings; and C. taiwanensis evoked refreshing, natural, rich, rough, masculine feelings. According to the test subjects, T. dolabrata evoked “woody” and “earthy” impressions; C. obtusa evoked “woody,” “citrus,” and “pine-resin” impressions; and C. taiwanensis evoked “woody,” “citrus,” and “medical” impressions. Many issues remain to be investigated, but the inclusion of wood oil in carpet cleaners offered both good mite control and a pleasant aroma to humans. This study suggests a new potential for using these wood oils.

Background Allergens produced by mites are one of the principal causes of allergic disease. House dust mites can be found in significant numbers living in textile garments, and therefore development of optimal washing conditions for delicate textiles represents an important aim for domestic mite control. Objectives Investigation of methods to eliminate house dust mites from clothing under low temperature washing conditions. Methods Domestic house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae were cultured on garments under favourable conditions. The breeding success was monitored in terms of population and distribution using the free-mite Mobility Test. The mite containing garments were washed at low temperature with different commercial detergents in the presence or absence of a mite control additive containing 0.03% benzyl benzoate, and the numbers of mites surviving the washing process were assessed using the Heat Escape Method. Results The successful culture of mites in textile garments led to mite numbers of a total of at least 9000 to 10000 mites in 10 garments (Mobility Test). After washing in a domestic washing machine with detergents alone approximately 6000 remaining mites were detected in 10 garment halfs (Heat Escape Method). In contrast, mite control by the application of the same detergents together with an additive achieved a reduction to almost 50 mites. This is an additional reduction in mite numbers of 99.2%. Conclusions It is possible to achieve mite control in delicate garments by washing at low temperature in the presence of a mite control additive providing a final concentration of 0.03% benzyl benzoate.

Tydeid mites (Orthotydeus californicus, O. caudatus) occasionally contaminate persimmon fruit. Field trials were conducted in 1990/91, 1991/92, 1994/95 and 1996/97 on persimmon or adjacent poplar shelter trees to evaluate avermectin, mancozeb, mineral oil, permethrin plus pirimiphos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl, propargite or taufluvalinate to reduce tydeid mite populations. Full (1990/91), mid-late (1991/92, 1994/ 95) or early season applications (1996/97) were evaluated. Mite populations were assessed on leaves and/or fruit. Spraying poplar trees did not reduce mite numbers on adjacent persimmon trees. Pre-harvest or full season spray programmes lowered but did not prevent fruit contamination. The most effective treatments, early season applications of mineral oil or avermectin, show promise for use in a pest management system being developed for export persimmons.