Panthaleus major /Duges/ of cereals in Bulgaria

Abstract. Until recently, Penthaleus major (Dugès) has not been recognized as an economically significant pest for the cereal crops. After climatic changes, its population began to grow and inflict damages around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate its distribution in Bulgaria and establish whether it presents a danger to the cereal crops. In the autumn of 2015 and the spring of 2016, a monitoring survey was conducted to establish Penthaleus major (Dugès) with the cereal crops in Bulgaria. Over 60 sowed fields were investigated from all around the country. Samples were taken to identify the pest. It was established that Penthaleus major (Dugès) inflicted harm to the wheat in north-eastern (12-14 mites per stem) and south-eastern Bulgaria (6-8 mites per stem). Its density was under the threshold of economic harm. There was not found infestation of barley, rye, oat and triticale. On the field boundaries bordering the areas attacked by the mite were reported the following weeds: Capsella bursa pastoris (L.) Medic, Descurania sophia (L.) Welb. et Berth, Senecio spp., Sisymbrium orientale Torn., Taraxsacum officinale Weber, Anthemis spp., Bromus arvensis L., Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.B. Lolium temulentum L., which can be habitat for Penthaleus major (Dugès).