Host Range, distribution, and morphometrics of predatory mites associated with phytophagous mites of fruit crops in Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

A survey on host range and distribution of mite species associated with fruit crops was carried out during 1999-2001 at different altitudes and districts of Himachal Pradesh. Eight species of predaceous mites (mostly Phytoseiidae) were found in association with 11 species of phytophagous mites (mostly Tetranychidae). Panonychus ulmi was the major phytophagous species on apple at Shimla district, other pests included Tetranychus urticae, Bryobia rubrioculus, Brevipalpus californicus, and Aculus malus, whereas T. urticae was dominant on apple and other pome and stone fruits at Kullu district. At Shimla district the predaceous mite Amblyseius finlandicus was abundant and associated with P. ulmi, B. californicus, A. malus, and Tetranychus species on apple, pecan nut, and walnut. At Solan district Amblyseius longispinosus was prevalent. Its host range was restricted to Tetranychus species on fig, papaya, apple, and beans. Phytoseius crinitus was abundant on guava and citrus, infested with Brevipalpus phoenicis at Una district. Phytoseius intermedius was the dominant predatory mite associated with litchi leaves having well developed erinia due to Aceria litchi. Typhlodromus homalii was found in mixed population of P. intermedius on litchi leaves infested with A. litchi from Kangra district. Agistemus sp. was collected from apple leaves infested with T. urticae at Shimla, from cherry and walnut with T. urticae at Kullu, and from guava and citrus infested with B. phoenicis at Una. At Mandi district Tydeus sp. was present along with A. finlandicus (5 mites per 25 leaves) in mango orchards infested with T. urticae. Biscirus sp. was collected on grapes and citrus leaves. Morphometrics and diagnostic features of different species are presented in the paper.