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Intercropping is an important strategy of pest biological control and has the potential of increasing abundance and diversity of natural enemies. Here we assessed the effect of six management crop systems on the diversity and abundance of mite pests and predatory mites associated to physic nut crops. The following crop systems were evaluated: jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis), guinea grass (Panicum maximum), signal grass (Brachiaria brizantha), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in succession to corn (Zea mays), physic nut free of spontaneous plants between-rows, and physic nut with spontaneous plants between-rows. Total number of mites was counted and their abundance, diversity and equitability were determined. The most abundant herbivorous mite species found in all crop systems were Polyphagotarsonemus latus and Tetranychus bastosi. Amblydromalus zannoui, Typhlodromus aripo, Typhlodromus peregrinus and Pronematus sp. were the most abundant predatory mites. Intercropping cowpea in succession to corn favoured the diversity and abundance of predatory mites in physic nut.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:23:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Amblydromalus zannoui Sourassou, Sarmento and Moraes is a phytoseiid mite of the limonicus group described from central Brazil from leaves of physic nut, Jatropha curcas L. (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae), a plant potentially useful as a source of biofuel. This plant is often attacked by the mites Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) and Tetranychus bastosi Tuttle, Baker and Sales (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae). The objectives of this work were to evaluate the predation rate of A. zannoui on those phytophagous mites, to assess its life cycle on these prey and on pollen of Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), and to determine its attraction to physic nut leaves infested by P. latus or T. bastosi. Amblydromalus zannoui attacked more nymphs and adults than eggs of P. latus, and more eggs and larvae than adults of T. bastosi. The life table parameters suggest that A. zannoui performs better on P. latus (rm: 0.20, Ro: 18.77; λ: 1.23) and pollen (rm: 0.18, Ro: 23.32, λ: 1.18). The predator seems to be attracted to plants with P. latus, but attraction was not clear cut for plants with T. bastosi. The results suggested that A. zannoui is a potential control agent to be used against P. latus on physic nut plants, and that R. communis pollen can be used as supplementary food to maintain the predator population in the absence of prey. Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), PO BOX 66 Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) CBGP Montpellier SupAgro INRA CIRAD IRD Univ. Montpellier Campus International de Baillarguet, CS 30016 Departamento de Entomologia Fitopatologia E Zoologia Agrícola ESALQ-USP Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

The physic nut ( Jatropha curcas ) is a potential plant for biofuel production. However, its productivity is limited by pests such as the broad mite ( Polyphagotarsonemus latus ) and the red spider mite ( Tetranychus bastosi ). Despite the problems resulting from their misuse, chemicals are currently the primary method of controlling these herbivorous mites, but biological control by native organisms represents an alternative approach. The predatory mite Typhlodromus transvaalensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was collected from J. curcas plants associated with P. latus and T. bastosi in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. We studied predation rates, biological parameters and reproduction of T. transvaalensis feeding on P. latus and T. bastosi as well as the effects of adding pollen from corn ( Zea mays ), physic nut ( J. curcas ) and castor bean ( Ricinus communis ) to the diet. Adult female T. transvaalensis were more efficient at predating all stages of P. latus than T. bastosi . The T. transvaalensis life cycle was shorter with diets including R. communis pollen, but Z. mays pollen was also suitable for reproduction. The results indicate that T. transvaalensis is a generalist predator with high potential for controlling P. latus in J. curcas plantations and that the presence of R. communis and Z. mays crops boosts its development and reproduction.

The objective of this work was to evaluate if the immunosuppressant Sandimmun Neoral enhances the activity of Metarhizium anisopliae against the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens. The vulnerability to the pathogen was measured by comparing the mortality rate of worker ants subjected to the following treatments: immunosuppressant+control, immunosuppressant+M. anisopliae, excipient+control, excipient+M. anisopliae, control+M. anisopliae, and control. Worker ants treated with immunosuppressant+M. anisopliae showed the highest mortality rate in comparison with those subjected to all other treatments. The use of the immunosuppressant together with entomopathogenic fungus controlled leaf-cutting ants in laboratory conditions. Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se o imunossupressor Sandimmun Neoral favorece a atividade de Metarhizium anisopliae contra a formiga cortadeira Atta sexdens. A vulnerabilidade ao patógeno foi medida ao se comparar a mortalidade de operárias expostas aos seguintes tratamentos: imunossupressor+controle, imunossupressor+M. anisopliae, excipiente+controle, excipiente+M. anisopliae, controle+M. anisopliae e controle. Operárias tratadas com imunossupressor+M. anisopliae apresentaram a maior taxa de mortalidade em comparação às submetidas a todos os outros tratamentos. O uso do imunossupressor juntamente com fungo entomopatogênico controlou as formigas cortadeiras em condições de laboratório.

Intraguild predation is a mix of competition and predation and occurs when one species feeds on another species that uses similar resources. Theory predicts that intraguild predation hampers coexistence of species involved, but it is common in nature. It has been suggested that increasing habitat complexity and the presence of alternative food may promote coexistence. Reciprocal intraguild predation limits possibilities for coexistence even further. Habitat complexity and the presence of alternative food are believed to promote coexistence. We investigated this using two species of predatory mites, Iphiseiodes zuluagai and Euseius concordis, by assessing co‐occurrence in the field and on arenas differing in spatial structure in the laboratory. The predators co‐occured on the same plants in the field. In the laboratory, adults of the two mites fed on juveniles of the other species, both in the presence and the absence of a shared food source, showing that the two species are involved in reciprocal intraguild predation. Adults of I. zuluagai also attacked adults of E. concordis. This suggests limited possibilities for coexistence of the two species. Indeed, E. concordis invariably went extinct extremely rapidly on arenas without spatial structure with populations consisting of all stages of the two predators and with a shared resource. Coexistence was prolonged on host plant leaves with extra food sources, but E. concordis still went extinct. On small, intact plants, coexistence of the two species was much longer, and ended with the other species, I. zuluagai, often going extinct. These results suggest that spatial structure and the presence of alternative food increase the coexistence period of intraguild predators.

Spatial distribution studies in pest management identify the locations where pest attacks on crops are most severe, enabling us to understand and predict the movement of such pests. Studies on the spatial distribution of two mite species, however, are rather scarce. The mitesPolyphagotarsonemus latusandTetranychus bastosiare the major pests affecting physic nut plantations (Jatropha curcas). Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the spatial distributions ofP. latusandT. bastosiin the physic nut plantations. Mite densities were monitored over 2 years in two different plantations. Sample locations were georeferenced. The experimental data were analyzed using geostatistical analyses. The total mite density was found to be higher when only one species was present (T. bastosi). When both the mite species were found in the same plantation, their peak densities occurred at different times. These mites, however, exhibited uniform spatial distribution when found at extreme densities (low or high). However, the mites showed an aggregated distribution in intermediate densities. Mite spatial distribution models were isotropic. Mite colonization commenced at the periphery of the areas under study, whereas the high-density patches extended until they reached 30 m in diameter. This has not been reported forJ. curcasplants before.

1.Mixing of prey that differ in nutrient content or toxic compounds (dietary mixing) may allow synovigenic predatory arthropods to balance their diet or dilute toxins of different prey items to maximize performance: dietary mixing may therefore explain the prevalence of polyphagy in this functional group.2.Several predatory arthropods can redress nutritional imbalances in their diet by actively mixing different diets, based on experiments with artificial diets or with prey that were manipulated to contain different nutrients.3.Evidence is also accumulating that predator species perform better on a mixed diet of several different prey species, but evidence that they actively forage for different prey species is scarce.4.Thus, evidence that predators actively forage for a mixed diet consisting of natural, non-manipulated prey to increase their performance is still rare. Here, we investigate whether arthropod predators invest in achieving an optimal diet by active mixing of different prey species or by simply eating what they encounter.5.Females of two species of plant-inhabiting predatory mites produced significantly more eggs when feeding on a prey mixture of co-occurring phytophagous mites than when feeding on either of the two prey species separately.6.When the two prey species were offered on two separate, connected patches at some distance from each other, predators commuted significantly more between the two patches to obtain a mixed diet and had a significantly increased egg production than predators that were offered a single prey species on two patches.7.Thus, predators actively commuted between patches to balance their diet. We propose that active dietary mixing can have synergistic effects on predator fitness and has the potential to explain polyphagy in this functional group.

Spontaneously growing plants are commonly considered competitors of cultivated plants. Owing to the lack of specificity of many arthropods, spontaneous plants may be attacked by the same arthropods that attack cultivated plants and they may also harbor natural enemies of organisms harmful to cultivated plants. Aceodromus convolvuli Muma (Blattisociidae) has been reported recently in relatively large numbers in Tocantins state, central Brazil, mostly on Helicteres guazumifolia Kunth (Malvaceae). Very little has been reported about the population dynamics of blattisociid mites under field conditions. The objective of this work was to study the population dynamics of A. convolvuli in Gurupi, Tocantins state, to evaluate its possible interaction with associated mites. Monthly samples were taken from leaves of the 11 most abundant and frequent spontaneous plants in a Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) plantation. About 96.5 % of the specimens of A. convolvuli were collected in the rainy season. The patterns of variation of the population of A. convolvuli and of predators belonging to the family Phytoseiidae were similar, but A. convolvuli was much more numerous than all phytoseiid specimens combined. Highly significant correlations were observed between A. convolvuli densities and relative humidity or diversity of spontaneous plants. When only mites on H. guazumifolia were considered, highly significant correlation was also observed between densities of A. convolvuli and of mites of the family Tetranychidae. The results suggested that A. convolvuli could be a predator of tenuipalpid and/or tetranychid mites. Studies about its biology are needed to determine its preferred food sources and potential as biological control agent.

Both prey density and developmental stage of pests and natural enemies are known to influence the effectiveness of biological control. However, little is known about the interaction between prey density and population structure on predation and fecundity of generalist predatory mites. Here, we evaluated the functional response (number of prey eaten by predator in relation to prey density) of adult females and nymphs of the generalist predatory mite Euseius concordis to densities of different developmental stages of the cassava green mite Mononychellus tanajoa, as well as the fecundity of adult females of the predator. We further assessed the instantaneous rate of increase, based on fecundity and mortality, of E. concordis fed on eggs, immatures and adults of M. tanajoa. Overall, nymphs and adults of E. concordis feeding on eggs, immatures and females of M. tanajoa had a type III functional response curve suggesting that the predator increased prey consumption rate as prey density increased. Both nymphs and adult females of the predator consumed more eggs than immatures of M. tanajoa from the density of 20 items per leaf disc onwards, revealing an interaction between prey density and developmental stage in the predatory activity of E. concordis. In addition, population growth rate was higher when the predator fed on eggs and immatures in comparison with females. Altogether our results suggest that E. concordis may be a good candidate for the biological control of M. tanajoa populations. However, the efficiency of E. concordis as a biological control agent of M. tanajoa is contingent on prey density and population structure.

The starting point for generating a pest control decision-making system is a conventional sampling plan. Because the mites Polyphagotarsonemus latus and Tetranychus bastosi are among the most important pests of the physic nut (Jatropha curcas), in the present study, we aimed to establish sampling plans for these mite species on physic nut. Mite densities were monitored in 12 physic nut crops. Based on the obtained results, sampling of P. latus and T. bastosi should be performed by assessing the number of mites per cm2 in 160 samples using a handheld 20× magnifying glass. The optimal sampling region for T. bastosi is the abaxial surface of the 4th most apical leaf on the branch of the middle third of the canopy. On the abaxial surface, T. bastosi should then be observed on the side parts of the middle portion of the leaf, near its edge. As for P. latus, the optimal sampling region is the abaxial surface of the 4th most apical leaf on the branch of the apical third of the canopy on the abaxial surface. Polyphagotarsonemus latus should then be assessed on the side parts of the leaf’s petiole insertion. Each sampling procedure requires 4 h and costs US$ 7.31.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a biologia e a tabela de vida de Tetranychus bastosi em pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas). O experimento foi realizado em ambiente controlado a 26ºC e 75% de UR, com fotófase de 12 horas. Os ovos usados nos experimentos foram oriundos de criação estoque. As avaliações foram realizadas duas vezes ao dia, para a biologia do ácaro, e uma vez, para os parâmetros reprodutivos. O ciclo médio de vida das fêmeas foi de 9,63 dias e o dos machos, de 8,94 dias. A razão sexual foi 0,65 e a longevidade média das fêmeas foi de 16 dias, com produção média de 59 ovos por fêmea. Os parâmetros de tabela de vida obtidos foram: taxa líquida de reprodução (Ro), 45,41 indivíduos; duração média das gerações (T), 12,66 dias; taxa intrínseca de crescimento (rm), 0,0538 fêmea por fêmea por dia; razão finita de aumento (λ), 1,023 fêmea por fêmea; e tempo para duplicação da população (TD), 3,15 dias. O ácaro T. bastosi desenvolve-se bem e apresenta alto potencial reprodutivo sobre folhas de pinhão-manso. The objective of this work was to determine the biology and life table of Tetranychus bastosi on physic nut (Jatropha curcas). The experiment was carried out under controlled conditions at 26ºC and 75% RH, with photophase of 12 hours. The eggs used in the experiments were obtained from stock culture. Evaluations were performed twice a day for the biology of the mite, and once a day for reproductive parameters. The average life cycle of females was 9.63 days and that of males was 8.94 days. The sex ratio was 0.65, and the mean longevity of females was 16 days, with average production of 59 eggs per female. The life table parameters obtained were: liquid reproduction rate (Ro), 45.41 individuals; average generation length (T), 12.66 days; intrinsic growth rate (rm), 0.0538 female per female per day; finite growth rate (λ), 1.023 female per female; and time required for doubling the population (TD), 3.15 days. The spider mite T. bastosi develops well and presents a high reproductive potential on leaves of physic nut.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar ácaros na cultura de pinhão-manso e em espécies de plantas espontâneas associadas. Para isso, foram avaliadas a riqueza e a abundância de ácaros em plantas de pinhão-manso e em 14 espécies de plantas espontâneas associadas. As amostragens foram realizadas por meio de coletas mensais de folhas de plantas de pinhão-manso e de plantas espontâneas, nas entrelinhas do cultivo. Foram encontradas quatro espécies de ácaros predadores - Amblyseius tamatavensis, Paraphytoseius multidentatus, Typhlodromalus aripo e Typhlodromalus clavicus -, com potencial para uso no controle biológico de ácaros-praga na cultura do pinhão-manso, e duas importantes espécies de ácaros fitófagos - Brevipalpus phoenicis e Tarsonemus confusus - desconhecidas como praga da cultura. Entre as plantas espontâneas avaliadas, quatro espécies - Hyptis suaveolens, Peltaea riedelii, Urochloa mutica e Andropogon gayanus - abrigam grande riqueza e abundância de ácaros predadores, enquanto oito destacaram-se pela diversidade de ácaros fitófagos. The objective of this work was to identify mites in physic nut culture, and in associated spontaneous weed species. For this, mite richness and abundance on physic nut plants and on 14 species of associated spontaneous weeds were evaluated. Samplings were done with monthy collections of leaves from physic nut plants and from weeds, between planting lines. Four species of predatory mites - Amblyseius tamatavensis, Paraphytoseius multidentatus, Typhlodromalus aripo and Typhlodromalus clavicus -, with potential for biological control of pest mites on physic nut culture, and two species of phytophagous mites - Brevipalpus phoenicis and Tarsonemus confusus -, not yet known as pests of the culture were found. Among the evaluated spontaneous weeds, four species - Hyptis suaveolens, Peltaea riedelii, Urochloa mutica and Andropogon gayanus - harbor great richness and abundance of predatory mites, whereas eight harbored a high diversity of phytophagous mites.

Weed management in physic nut plantations has generally been performed by spraying the herbicide glyphosate. However, the effects of glyphosate on non-target organisms present in the crop system are unknown. Here, we evaluated the toxicity of glyphosate (Roundup Transorb(®)) against the pest species Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) and Tetranychus bastosi (Acari: Tetranychidae) which can be exposed by drift. These mites are considered pests of the physic nut; however, they can also feed and reside on weeds associated with the crop, serving as food sources for predatory mites. When subjected to residue (by ingestion of sap of treated plants), and direct contact to glyphosate, P. latus reproduction was affected but T. bastosi was affected only by the residual effect. Although the herbicide caused a reduction in the number of eggs laid by the females of both pest mites, it is suggested that sublethal effects of glyphosate stimulates oviposition of P. latus and T. bastosi: both species displayed higher reproductive rates when exposed to 0.36 kg ha(-1) of the herbicide. We conclude that glyphosate negatively affects the arthropod herbivores studied and we discuss possible implications on their biological control in Jatropha curcas plantations.

Studies on the seasonal variation of agricultural pest species are important for the establishment of integrated pest control programs. The seasonality of pest attacks on crops is affected by biotic and abiotic factors, for example, climate and natural enemies. Besides that, characteristics of the host plant, crop management, location and the pests’ bioecology also affect this seasonality. The mites Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) and Tetranychus bastosi (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) are the most important pests in the cultivation of physic nut, Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae). All parts of J. curcas can be used for a wide range of purposes. In addition many researchers have studied its potential for use as neat oil, as transesterified oil (biodiesel), or as a blend with diesel. However studies about physic nut pests have been little known. The objective of this study was to assess the seasonal variation of P. latus and T. bastosi in physic nut. This study was conducted at three sites in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. We monitored climatic elements and the densities of the two mite species and of their natural enemies for a period of 2 years. Attack by P. latus occurred during rainy seasons, when the photoperiod was short and the physic nut had new leaves. In contrast, attack by T. bastosi occurred during warmer seasons with longer photoperiods and stronger winds. Populations of both mites and their natural enemies were greater in sites with greater plant diversity adjacent to the plantations. The predators found in association with P. latus and T. bastosi were Euseius concordis (Acari: Phytoseiidae), spiders, Stethorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

O ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) é importante em cafeeiro (Coffea spp.) por ser o vetor do vírus da mancha-anular, doença responsável por queda de folhas e má qualidade da bebida do café, e o ácaro-vermelho Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor) por reduzir a área foliar de fotossíntese. Ácaros da família Phytoseiidae, de várias espécies, são eficientes predadores associados aos ácaros-praga. Conduziu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de estudar o controle dos ácaros-praga com spirodiclofen e azocyclotin, e o impacto sobre fitoseídeos. Em laboratório foram estudados os efeitos ovicida, tópico, residual, tópico mais residual e a seletividade fisiológica aos fitoseídeos; em casa-de-vegetação foi avaliada a persistência no controle às duas espécies de ácaros-praga; e em campo foi avaliada a eficiência apenas no controle de B. phoenicis. Os bioensaios foram realizados em arenas de folhas destacadas. O efeito ovicida foi avaliado em ovos no início e final de incubação. Os efeitos residual, tópico e tópico mais residual foram avaliados pela mortalidade de larvas, ninfas e adultos aos oito dias, e a persistência até 30 dias após a aplicação. A seletividade aos fitoseídeos foi avaliada, pelo efeito na mortalidade e reprodução de fêmeas adultas, em teste residual em superfície de vidro. Spirodiclofen e azocyclotin (SC) mostraram eficiente ação ovicida, principalmente para ovos de B. phoenicis no início de incubação. Para ovos de O. ilicis, somente o spirodiclofen apresentou efeito ovicida. Em geral, os efeitos tópico e residual associados melhoraram a eficiência dos produtos no controle das fases pós-embrionárias de ambas as espécies. O spirodiclofen apresentou seletividade aos ácaros predadores, já o azocyclotin foi nocivo. Em campo, ambos os acaricidas mostram-se altamente eficientes na redução de todas as fases pós-embrionárias do ácaro B. phoenicis, principalmente nas folhas. The mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) is important in coffee plants (Coffea spp.) for being the vector of the coffee ringspot virus, disease responsible for leaf fall and bad quality of the coffee beverage. The red spider mite Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor) is also important for reducing the area of photosynthesis in leaves. Mites of the family Phytoseiidae are efficient predators associated to the pest-mites. The objective of this work was to study the control of the pest-mites with spirodiclofen and azocyclotin, and the impact on phytoseiids. Studies were carried out in laboratory conditions on the ovicidal, topical, residual, topical plus residual effects, and the physiological selectivity for the phytoseiids. The persistence of the products in the control of the pest-mites was studied in semi-field conditions. In field-test only was evaluated the efficiency in the control of B. phoenicis. Bioassays were made in detached leaves. The ovicidal effect was evaluated in eggs in the beginning and end of incubation; the residual, topical and topical plus residual effects on larvae, nymphs and adult were assessed through mortality evaluation eight days after spraying, while the persistence was evaluated until 30 days after spraying. The phytoseiids selectivity was evaluated in a glass surface residual test through the adult female's mortality and reproduction effect. Spirodiclofen and azocyclotin (SC) showed efficient ovicidal action, mainly for eggs of B. phoenicis in the beginning of incubation. For eggs of O. ilicis only the spirodiclofen presented ovicidal effect.In general, the associated topical plus residual effects improve the performance of the products in the control of the post-embryonic phases of both species. The spirodiclofen presented selectivity for the predator mites; the azocyclotin was already noxious. In the field, both acaricides showed highly efficiency in the reduction of all the post-embryonic phases of the pest-mite B. phoenicis, mainly in the leaves.

O acaro fitofago Tetranychus urticae (Kock, 1836) (Acari: Tetranychidae) foi relatado e suas injurias caracterizadas pela primeira vez em viveiro de producao mudas de teca (Tectona grandis) no Brasil.

Crop management practices determine weed community, which in turn may influence patterns of diversity and abundance of associated arthropods. This study aimed to evaluate whether local weed management practices influence the diversity and relative abundance of phytophagous and predatory mites, as well as mites with undefined feeding habits--of the families Oribatidae and Acaridae--in a physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) plantation subjected to (1) within-row herbicide spraying and between-row mowing; (2) within-row herbicide spraying and no between-row mowing; (3) within-row weeding and between-row mowing; (4) within-row weeding and no between-row mowing; and (5) unmanaged (control). The herbicide used was glyphosate. Herbicide treatments resulted in higher diversity and relative abundance of predatory mites and mites with undefined feeding habit on physic nut shrubs. This was probably due to the toxic effects of the herbicide on mites or to removal of weeds. Within-row herbicide spraying combined with between-row mowing was the treatment that most contributed to this effect. Our results show that within-row weeds harbor important species of predatory mites and mites with undefined feeding habit. However, the dynamics of such mites in the system can be changed according to the weed management practice applied. Among the predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae Amblydromalus sp. was the most abundant, whereas Brevipalpus phoenicis was the most frequent phytophagous mite and an unidentified oribatid species was the most frequent mite with undefined feeding habit.

By means of bioassays performed in arenas of 3 cm in diameter, manufactured with coffee leaves floating on water, the phases of the coffee ringspot mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) were studies on the preference by several developmental stages of the predaceous mites Euseius alatus DeLeon and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma. The experiment was conducted in laboratory at 25 ± 2ºC, 70 ± 10% RH and 14 h photophase. The preferred stage of coffee ringspot vector virus was the larva followed by nymph and egg. Adults were least preyed on. In general, the most aggressive phase of the predators was the adult female followed by the nymph; the larval phase was the least aggressive. The average predation of E. alatus and I. zuluagai for the different phases of B. phoenicis were, respectively: larva (79% and 90%) > egg (47% and 83%) > nymph (40% and 77%) > adult (1% and 18%). This result indicated that I. zuluagai is more aggressive than E. alatus in relation to its predation upon B. phoenicis. Através de bioensaios realizados em arenas com 3 cm de diâmetro, confeccionadas com folhas de cafeeiro flutuando em água, foram estudadas as fases do ácaro da mancha-anular do cafeeiro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) quanto à preferência pelos diversos estádios do desenvolvimento dos ácaros predadores Euseius alatus DeLeon e Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em laboratório a 25 ± 2ºC, 70 ± 10% de UR e 14 horas de fotofase. O estádio do ácaro vetor mais predado foi o de larva, seguido pelo de ninfa e ovo. A fase adulta teve muito pouca predação. De modo geral, a fase mais agressiva dos predadores foi a de fêmea adulta, seguida pela de ninfa. A fase de larva foi a menos eficiente na predação. As médias de predação de E. alatus e I. zuluagai para as diferentes fases do B. phoenicis foram respectivamente: larva (79% e 90%) > ovo (47% e 83%) > ninfa (40% e 77%) > adulto (1% e 18%), o que demonstra que I. zuluagai mostrou maior atividade predatória que E. alatus.

The physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) stands out as a supplier of raw material of good quality for the production of biodiesel. Pest mites cause significant damage to this crop. The predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidaeare best known worldwide and more used in the biological control of pest mites. The faunistic analysis provides knowledge of the dynamics of species found in a given place and time. The objective of this work was to analyze the fauna of mites of the family Phytoseiidae determining dominance, abundance and frequency of species, and the diversity and evenness of these species in the culture of physic nut and associated weeds. Monthly collections were made totaling 12 months.For the sampling of mites wild plants, were first made??15 plots of 9m² (3m x3m). We collected 10 leaves from each plant species, with the exception of monocots were 20.In order to collect the physic nut 30 plants were selected, and collected nine leaves each. For analysis, we used the ANAFAU softwear. Mites Amblyseius sp., Typhlodromalus aripo, Typhlodromalus clavicusand, and Typhlodromips mangleae stood out both in physic nut as weeds. Predators T.aripo was dominant in the weeds and T. clavicus was super dominant in physic nut. KEY-WORDS: diversity of species, Jatropha curcas L., Phytoseiidae, predator., RESUMO: O pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) destaca-se como fornecedor de matéria-prima de boa qualidade para a produção de biodiesel. Ácaros-praga causam danos significativos a essa cultura. Os ácaros predadores da família Phytoseiidae são os mais conhecidos em todo mundo e mais utilizados no controle biológico de ácaros-praga. A análise faunística propicia conhecimentos da dinâmica das espécies encontradas em determinado local e período de tempo. Objetivou-se com este trabalho analisar a fauna dos ácaros da família Phytoseiidae determinando-se a dominância, a abundância e a frequência das espécies, além da diversidade e equitabilidade dessas espécies, na cultura do pinhão-manso e nas plantas espontâneas associadas. Foram realizadas coletas mensalmente totalizando 12 meses. Para a amostragem dos ácaros nas plantas espontâneas, primeiramente foram confeccionadas 15 parcelas de 9 m² (3m x 3m). Foram coletadas 10 folhas de cada espécies de planta,com exceção das monocotiledôneas que foram 20. Para a coleta no pinhão-manso foram selecionadas 30 plantas, sendo coletadas nove folhas de cada. Para análise utilizou-se o softwear ANAFAU. Os ácaros Amblyseius sp., Typhlodromalus aripo, Typhlodromalus clavicus, e Typhlodromips mangleae destacaram-se tanto no pinhão manso quanto nas plantas espontâneas. Os predadores T. aripo foi dominante nas plantas espontâneas e T. clavicus foi superdominante no pinhão-manso. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: diversidade de espécies, Jatropha curcas L., Phytoseiidae, predador.

Seasonal changes in climate and plant diversity are known to affect the population dynamics of both pests and natural enemies within agroecosystems. In Brazil, spontaneous plants are usually tolerated in small-scale physic nut plantations over the year, which in turn may mediate interactions between pests and natural enemies within this agroecosystem. Here, we aimed to access the influence of seasonal variation of abiotic (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) and biotic (diversity of spontaneous plants, overall richness and density of mites) factors on the communities of phytophagous and predatory mites found in a physic nut plantation and its associated spontaneous plants. Mite sampling was monthly conducted in dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous leaves of spontaneous plants as well as in physic nut shrubs over an entire year. In the dry season there was a higher abundance of phytophagous mites (Tenuipalpidae, Tarsonemidae and Tetranychidae) on spontaneous plants than on physic nut shrubs, while predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) showed the opposite pattern. The overall density of mites on spontaneous plants increased with relative humidity and diversity of spontaneous plants. Rainfall was the variable that most influenced the density of mites inhabiting physic nut shrubs. Agroecosystems comprising spontaneous plants associated with crops harbour a rich mite community including species of different trophic levels which potentially benefit natural pest control due to increased diversity and abundance of natural enemies.

The predaceous mite Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) is the second most abundant phytoseiid on coffee plants (Coffea arabica L), after Euseius alatus DeLeon, in Lavras, MG, Brazil, associated to the vector of the coffee ring spot virus, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). Its life history was studied taking into account biological aspects, life table, predatory activity and functional and numerical responses in relation to the density of the prey. The adult female has longevity of 38 days when supplied with B. phoenicis. The intrinsic rate of population increase (r m) was 0.150 and the mean generation time (T) 25.3 days. The population doubles every 4.6 days. Thirty mites B. phoenicis /3-cm diameter coffee leaf arenas were separately offered to one specimen of each predator phase. Adult females were more efficient in killing all developmental phases of B. phoenicis, followed by the nymph stages. For the functional and numerical responses studies, from 0.14 to 42.3 immature specimens of the prey /cm² of arena were submitted to the predator, the preferred phase for predation. Predation and the oviposition of A. herbicolus increased with increasing prey density, with a positive and highly significant correlation. Regression analysis suggests a functional type II response, with a maximum daily predation near 35 B. phoenicis /cm² /one adult female. O ácaro predador Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) é o segundo fitoseídeo mais abundante em cafeeiro (Coffea arabica L.), após Euseius alatus DeLeon, na região de Lavras, MG, associado ao vetor do vírus da mancha-anular, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). Sua história de vida foi estudada levando em conta aspectos biológicos, tabela de vida, atividade predatória e respostas funcional e numérica em função da densidade de presa. Foi constatada longevidade de 38 dias para fêmeas adultas quando alimentadas com B. phoenicis. A estimativa da capacidade inata de crescimento da população (r m) foi 0,150 e a duração média de uma geração (T) 25,3 dias. A população dobrou a cada 4,6 dias. Trinta ácaros B. phoenicis /arena de folha de cafeeiro (3 cm de diâmetro) foram oferecidos separadamente para um espécime de cada fase do ácaro predador. Fêmeas adultas foram mais eficientes na predação de todas as fases do desenvolvimento do ácaro-presa, seguidas das fases ninfais. Para o estudo das respostas funcional e numérica, a presa foi oferecida nas densidades de 0,14 a 42,3 formas imaturas de B. phoenicis /cm² de arena, por serem preferidas para predação. A predação e oviposição de A. herbicolus aumentam com o aumento da densidade de presa, com uma correlação positiva e altamente significativa. A análise de regressão realizada sugere uma resposta funcional do tipo II, com uma predação máxima diária de aproximadamente 35 B. phoenicis /cm² /fêmea adulta.

O ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) é importante em cafeeiro (Coffea spp.), por ser o vetor do vírus da mancha-anular, responsável por queda de folhas e má qualidade da bebida do café, e o ácaro-vermelho, Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor, 1917) (Acari: Tetranychidae), por reduzir a área foliar de fotossíntese. Alguns ácaros da família Phytoseiidae são eficientes predadores associados aos ácaros-praga. Com este trabalho teve-se como objetivo estudar o controle dos ácaros-praga e o impacto do abamectin e emamectin sobre fitoseídeos. Em laboratório, foram estudados os efeitos ovicida, tópico, residual, tópico mais residual aos ácaros-praga e a seletividade fisiológica aos fitoseídeos. Em semicampo, foi estudada a persistência dos produtos no controle dos ácaros-praga. O efeito ovicida foi avaliado em ovos no início e fim de incubação; os efeitos residual, tópico e tópico mais residual foram avaliados pela mortalidade de larvas, ninfas e adultos após 48 horas da aplicação, enquanto a persistência foi avaliada pela mortalidade até 30 dias após a pulverização. A seletividade aos ácaros fitoseídeos foi avaliada pelo efeito total às fêmeas adultas, em teste residual em superfície de vidro. Pelos resultados, verificou-se que abamectin e emamectin não possuem ação ovicida, para ambas as espécies de ácaros-praga estudadas. Considerando o efeito tópico mais residual, o abamectin e emamectin foram altamente eficientes no controle de larvas, ninfas e adultos de B. phoenicis; apenas abamectin foi eficiente no controle de O. ilicis. Abamectin foi levemente a moderadamente nocivo e emamectin mostrou-se inócuo a levemente nocivo aos fitoseídeos. Devido à eficiência de controle e seletividade a fitoseídeos, conclui-se que abamectin e emamectin podem ser utilizados em programas de manejo integrado do ácaro B. phoenicis, e abamectin para o manejo de B. phoenicis e O. ilicis em cafeeiro. The mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is important for coffee plants (Coffea spp.) for being the vector of the coffee ringspot virus, which is responsible for leaf fall and bad quality of the coffee beverage. The red spider mite, Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor, 1917) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is also important, for reducing the areas of photosynthesis in leaves. Some mites of the family Phytoseiidae are efficient predators associated to the pest-mites. This work had as objective to study the control of the pest-mites and the impact of the abamectin and emamectin on phytoseiids. Studies were carried out in laboratory to investigate the ovicidal, topical, residual, topical plus residual effects of the products on the pest-mites and the physiologic selectivity to the phytoseiids. The persistence of the products in the control of pest-mite was studied in semi-field conditions. The ovicidal effect was evaluated in eggs in the beginning and end of incubation; the residual, topical and topical plus residual effects on larvae, nymphs and adults were assessed through mortality evaluation 48 h after spraying, while the persistence was evaluated until 30 days after spraying. The phytoseiids selectivity was evaluated by the total effect in adult females, in residual test in glass surface. The results showed that abamectin and emamectin do not possess ovicidal action, in both pest-mite species studied. Considering the topical plus residual effect, the abamectin and emamectin was highly efficient in the control of larvae, nymphs and adults of the B. phoenicis; only the abamectin was efficient for O. ilicis control. Abamectin was slightly and moderately noxious and emamectin was shown to be innocuous and slightly noxious to the phytoseiids. Due to efficiency presented in the pest-mites control, and selectivity to the phytoseiids, it is concluded that abamectin and emamectin can be used in integrated pest management programs of B. phoenicis, and abamectin for the management of B. phoenicis and O. ilicis in coffee trees.

Phytoseiidae mites are the most important and studied natural enemies of pest mites. A question frequently raised is whether phytoseiid may reduce high densities of phytophagous mites. Studies of functional and numerical responses may help to answer this question. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential predation success of Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark and Muma and Euseius alatus DeLeon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), vector of the citrus leprosis and the coffee ringspot viruses. Bioassays were performed in the laboratory. Adult females of each predator were isolated in arenas made with citrus leaves (3-cm diameter). Immature stages of B. phoenicis were offered as prey, at the following numbers/arena: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 35 (seven replicates), 45 (four replicates), 55 (three replicates) and 70, 100, 125, 200 and 300 (two replicates). The number of killed prey and of eggs laid by the predators was evaluated every 24h, during eight days. Killed prey was replaced daily by new prey. For both predatory mites, a positive and highly significant correlation was found between the numbers of prey offered and killed. The average daily oviposition rate also increased with the number of killed prey. At the lower densities, E. alatus killed and ate more B. phoenicis than I. zuluagai. The opposite was observed at the highest densities. It is possible that E. alatus can reduce B. phoenicis population even at low prey densities, and I. zuluagai can do the same also at high densities. The fact that E. alatus requires less prey than I. zuluagai suggests that its survivorship may be higher than that of I. zuluagai at low prey densities. Ácaros da família Phytoseiidae são os inimigos naturais de ácaros-praga mais importantes e estudados. Uma questão freqüentemente levantada é se os fitoseídeos podem reduzir altas densidades de ácaros fitófagos a baixos níveis. Os estudos da resposta funcional e numérica podem contribuir para responder essa pergunta. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de predação de Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark e Muma e Euseius alatus DeLeon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) como agentes de controle biológico do ácaro fitófago Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), vetor do vírus da leprose-dos-citros e da mancha-anular do cafeeiro. Bioensaios foram realizados em laboratório. Fêmeas adultas de cada predador foram individualizadas em arenas de folha de citros com 3 cm de diâmetro. Fases imaturas de B. phoenicis foram oferecidas, como presas, nas seguintes quantidades/arena: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 e 35 (com sete repetições), 45 (quatro repetições), 55 (três repetições) e 70, 100, 125, 200 e 300 (duas repetições). O número de presas mortas e de ovos colocados pelo predador foram avaliados a cada 24h, durante oito dias. As presas mortas foram diariamente substituídas por novas presas. Para ambos os ácaros predadores foi constatada uma correlação positiva e altamente significativa entre o número de presas oferecidas e mortas. A oviposição média diária também aumentou em função do número de presas mortas. Nas densidades mais baixas, E. alatus matou mais B. phoenicis do que I. zuluagai, e o contrário foi observado nas densidades mais altas. É possível que E. alatus possa reduzir a população de B. phoenicis mesmo em baixas densidades do ácaro fitófago, e que I. zuluagai possa fazer o mesmo nas mais altas. O fato de E. alatus necessitar de menos presas que I. zuluagai sugere que sua sobrevivência possa ser maior do que a de I. zuluagai sob baixa densidade de presa.

O controle de pragas, plantas adventícias e doenças são importantes entraves para a produção de alimentos em sistema orgânico. Trabalhos demonstram que o manejo correto de plantas adventícias em cafeeiro, diminui o número de insetos com potencial para se tornarem pragas, proporciona aumento de inimigos naturais e, consequentemente, mantém as pragas em níveis baixos, sem causar dano. Dos ácaros-praga, Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor), Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) e Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) são os que podem causar perdas significativas à cafeicultura. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do manejo das plantas adventícias, na diversidade de ácaros em cafeeiro (Coffea arabica L.), cultivado organicamente. O experimento consistiu em cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, em delineamento de blocos casualizados. Foram realizados quatro tipos de manejo das plantas adventícias nas entrelinhas, roçada total, roçadas alternadas nas entrelinhas, capina manual total, capina manual alternada nas entrelinhas e testemunha sem manejo. Durante 24 meses, foram coletadas 25 folhas de café em cada repetição, acondicionadas em sacos plásticos e levadas ao laboratório para a extração dos ácaros, pelo método da lavagem. O material resultante foi analisado com microscópio estereoscópico e os ácaros encontrados foram fixados em lâminas para identificação, sempre que possível, em nível de espécie. Em geral, o tipo manejo das plantas daninhas influenciou positivamente no número do ácaro predador Euseius citrifolius Denmark e Muma. Para os predadores Euseius concordis (Chant) e Neoseiulus benjamini (Schica), a ausência de manejo das plantas adventícias foi benéfica. O maior número de ácaros-praga foi observado no tratamento com baixa diversidade de plantas adventícias.

Climate changes, such as temperature rise, prolonged drought and heavy rainfall, impair human activities, especially the food production sector. Rainfall is one of the most important natural, life-sustaining factors on the planet and it is essential in agriculture, not only to water plants, but also in regulating pest organisms in crops through mechanical control. The mites Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) and Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor, 1917) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae, Tetranychidae) are important coffee pests influenced by the rainfall regime. The aim of this work was to study the distribution of coffee predatory (Phytoseiidae family) and phytophagous (B. phoenicis and O. ilicis) mites in function of rainfall, between June/2006 and June/2008, in organic and conventional coffee cultivation systems. The experiments were conducted at Cachoeira (organic coffee production) and Taquaril (conventional system) farms, located in the municipality of Santo Antonio do Amparo, Minas Gerais state, in Brazil. Leaves were removed monthly from the middle part of coffee plants from both systems. It was concluded that rainfall influences the populations of pest and predatory mites in the different coffee production systems, but this effect was less intense in the organic coffee.

Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor, 1917) (Acari: Tetranychidae) é considerado um dos principais ácaros fitófagos do cafeeiro (Coffea spp.). Embora não seja considerado praga-chave, já foi referido como a segunda em importância para o Conillon, Coffea canephora Pierre & Froehner. Esse ácaro comumente encontra-se em equilíbrio, devido à presença de inimigos naturais, entre eles ácaros predadores pertencentes à família Phytoseiidae. Objetivou-se com este trabalho realizar o levantamento populacional de O. ilicis ao longo do ano, dos fitoseídeos a ele associados, bem como da distribuição espacial desses ácaros no cafeeiro. Os estudos foram conduzidos em cafezal de 1,3 ha, localizado na Epamig em Lavras, Minas Gerais. Foram amostradas quinzenalmente dez folhas dos terços superior, médio e inferior de dez plantas, aleatoriamente, sendo cinco de cada lado da planta. As folhas avaliadas foram retiradas do terceiro ou quarto par a partir da extremidade do ramo. O ácaro O. ilicis ocorreu ao longo de todo o período, sendo encontrado maior número de ovos que das fases pós-embrionárias. O número de ovos nas partes média e inferior das plantas foi maior em relação à parte superior. Os períodos de maior ocorrência de O. ilicis coincidiram com a época de precipitações pluviais baixas. Foram encontradas associadas a ele cinco espécies de ácaros predadores: Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma, 1972, Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant, 1959), Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, 1970, Euseius concordis (Chant, 1959) e Euseius alatus DeLeon, 1966 (Acari: Phytoseiidae). O mais abundante foi I. zuluagai, representando 72,4% dos fitoseídeos coletados, ocorrendo durante todo período estudado.