Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Species diversity and seasonal dynamics of Acari on abandoned apple trees in southern Ontario, Canada

  • Published:
Experimental & Applied Acarology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Foliage-inhabiting mites and associated insects were observed over a 3-year period on abandoned apple trees at two sites in southern Ontario. This study included species diversity and seasonal dynamics as well as the total habitat size and its seasonal fluctuations. Due to heavy feeding on the leaves in the early season by the fall cankerworm, at one observation site, the habitat available for foliage-inhabiting mites was regulated so that both the total number and the area of leaves on the tree did not increase significantly until early July. However, the influence of this on the population of the dominant mite species was minimal. The mite community was relatively stable over time. Four phytophagous species, representing a basic trophic level, were fed upon by a group of predacious mites. The phytophagous mites consisted of two rust-mite species (Diptacus gigantorhynchus sp. complex andEriophyes pyri sp. complex) and two tetranychid species (Bryobia rubrioculus andEotetranychus uncatus). On the basis of consistency in seasonal abundance,D. gigantorhynchus was the only prey species which could support the early-season population increase of the predacious mites. Ten species of predacious mites were recorded on the apple trees, nine phytoseiids and one stigmaeid; two separate species of these were common at each of two observation sites:Typhlodromus pomi and the stigmaeidZetzellia mali at one site; and two phytoseiid species,Phytoseius macropilis andAmblyseius finlandicus, at the other. There seemed to be a rather simple and stable prey/predator system at each site throughout the three seasons. Species dominance on these apple trees was investigated for the phytoseiids, especially from the perspective of the issue of ‘one-species dominance’.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amano, H., 1985. Some aspects of the ecology of acarina on abandoned apple trees in Ontario, Canada. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Toronto, 220 pp.

  • Amano, H. and Chant, D.A., 1986. Laboratory studies on the feeding habits, reproduction and development of three phytoseiid species,Thyphlodromus pomi, Phytoseius macropilis andAmblyseius finlandicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae), occurring on abandoned apple trees in Ontario, Canada. Exp. Appl. Acarol., 2: 299–313.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berkett, L.P. and Forsythe, H.Y., Jr., 1980. Predaceous mites (Acari) associated with apple foliage in Maine. Can. Entomol., 112: 497–502.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chant, D.A., 1956. Predacious spiders in orchards in south-eastern England. J. Hortic. Sci., 31: 35–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chant, D.A., 1958. On the ecology of typhlodromid mites in southeastern England. Proc. 10th. Int. Congr. Entomol., Montreal (1956), 4: 649–658.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chant, D.A., 1959. Phytoseiid mites (Acarina: Phytoseiidae). Part I. Bionomics of seven species in southeastern England. Part II. A taxonomic review of the family Phytoseiidae, with descriptions of 38 new species. Can. Entomol., 91. (Suppl. 12): 166 pp.

  • Chant, D.A. and Hansell, R.I.C., 1971. The genusAmblyseius (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) in Canada and Alaska. Can. J. Zool., 49: 703–758.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chant, D.A., Hansell, R.I.C. and Yoshida, E., 1974. The genusTyphlodromus Scheuten (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) in Canada and Alaska. Can. J. Zool., 52: 1265–1291.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collyer, E., 1956. Notes on the biology of some predacious mites on fruit trees in south-eastern England. Bull. Entomol. Res., 47: 205–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collyer, E., 1958. Some insectary experiments with predacious mites to determine their effect on the development ofMetatetranychus ulmi (Koch) populations. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 1: 138–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collyer, E., 1964. A summary of experiments to demonstrate the role ofTyphlodromus pyri Scheut. in the control ofPanonychus ulmi (Koch) in England. Acarologia, 9: 363–371.

    Google Scholar 

  • Croft, B.A. and AliNiazee, M.T., 1983. Differential resistance to insecticides inTyphlodromus arboreus Chant and associated phytoseiid mites of apple in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Environ. Entomol., 12: 1420–1423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Croft, B.A. and Jorgensen, C.D., 1977.Typhlodromus mcgregori Chant (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) and its control of phytophagous mites in Utah and southern California apple orchards. Great Basin Nat., 37: 366–374.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Moraes, G.J., McMurtry, J.A. and Denmark, H.A., 1986. A Catalog of the Mite Family Phytoseiidae. References to Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution and Habitat. EMBRAPA-DDT, Brasilia, Brazil, 353 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dosse, G. and Schneider, I., 1957. Biologie und Lebensweise vonCzenspinskia lordi Nesbitt. Z. Angew. Zool., 44: 403–418.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dutcher, J.D. and Howitt, A.J., 1978. Bionomics and control ofLithocolletis blancardella in Michigan. J. Econom. Entomol., 71: 736–738.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forest, J., Pilon, J. and Paradis, R.O., 1982. Acariens des vergers de pommiers du sud-ouest du Québec. Ann. Soc. Entomol. Québec, 27: 7–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Genini, M., Klay, A., Delucchi, V., Baillod, M. and Baumgartner, J., 1983. Les espèces de phytoséiides (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) dans les vergers de pommier en Suisse. Mitt. Schweiz. Entomol. Ges., 56: 45–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilliatt, F.C., 1935. Some predators of the European red mite,Paratetranychus pilosus C. & F., in Nova Scotia. Can. J. Res., 13: 19–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gutierrez, J. and Helle, W., 1981.Eotetranychus uncatus Garman, a pest of apple new to the Netherlands (Acari: Tetranychidae). Entomol. Ber. (Amsterdam), 41: 102–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hagley, E.A., Pree, D.J., Simpson, C.M. and Hikichi, A., 1981. Toxicity of insecticides to parasites of the spotted tentiform leafminer (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Can. Entomol., 113: 899–906.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herbert, H.J., 1952. Progress report on predacious mite investigations in Nova Scotia (Acarina: Phytoseiidae). Rep. Entomol. Soc. Ont., 27–29.

  • Hislop, R.G. and Prokopy, R.J., 1979. Integrated management of phytophagous mites in Massachusetts (U.S.A.) apple orchards. 1. Foliage-inhabiting mite complexes in commercial and abandoned orchards. Prot. Ecol., 1: 279–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoyt, S.C., 1969a. Population studies of five mite species on apple in Washington. In: G.O. Evans (Editor), Proc. 2nd. Int. Congress of Acarology, 19–25 July 1967, Sutton Bonington, England. Akadémial Kiadó, Budapest, pp. 117–133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoyt, S.C., 1969b. Integrated chemical control of insects and biological control of mites on apple in Washington. J. Econ. Entomol., 62: 74–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeppson, L.R., Keifer, H.H. and Baker, E.W., 1975. Mites Injurious to Economic Plants. Univ. of California Press, Berkeley, 614 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, W.T. and Lyon, H.H., 1976. Insects that Feed on Trees and Shrubs. Comstock Publ. Assoc., Ithaca, New York, 464 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, E.F., Trottier, R. and Laing, J.E., 1979. Degree-day relationships to the development ofLithocolletis blancardella Fab. and its parasiteApanteles ornigis Wees. Can. Entomol., 111: 1177–1184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knisley, C.B. and Swift, F., 1972. Qualitative study of mite fauna associated with apple foliage in New Jersey. J. Econ. Entomol., 65: 445–448.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz, G.W., 1978. A Manual of Acarology (second edition). Oregon State Univ. Book Stores, Corvallis, 509 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krantz, G.W. and Lindquist, E.E., 1979. Evolution of phytophagous mites (Acari). Annu. Rev. Entomol., 24: 121–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lord, F.T., 1972. Comparisons of the abundance of the species composing the foliage inhabiting fauna of apple trees. Can. Entomol., 104: 731–749.

    Google Scholar 

  • McMurtry, J.A., Huffaker, C.B. and Van de Vrie, M., 1970. Ecology of tetranychid mites and their natural enemies: a review. I. Tetranychid enemies: their biological characters and the impact of spray practices. Hilgardia, 40: 331–390.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, C.V.G., Yee, P.T. and Brinton, F.E., 1962. Sevin as a systemic miticide for the pear leaf blister mite,Eriophyes pyri (Pgst.) (Acarina: Eriophyidae). Can. Entomol., 94: 680–686.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nesbitt, H.H.J., 1951. A taxonomic study of the Phytoseiinae (Family Laelaptidae) predaceous upon Tetranychidae of economic importance. Zool. Verh. Rijksmus. Nat. Hist. (Leiden), 12: 1–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oatman, E.R., 1963. Mite species on apple foliage in Wisconsin. Adv. Acarol., 1: 21–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oatman, E.R., 1973. An ecological study of arthropod populations on apple in northeastern Wisconsin: population dynamics of mite species on the foliage. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am., 66: 122–131.

    Google Scholar 

  • Overmeer, W.P.J., 1981. Notes on breeding phytoseiid mites from orchards (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) in the laboratory. Meded. Fac. Landbouw. Rijksmus. Gent, 46: 503–509.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parent, B., 1967. Population studies of phytophagous mites and predators on apple in south-west Quebec. Can. Entomol., 99: 771–778.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parent, B., 1973. Natural population densities of the European red mite on apple in Quebec. Environ. Entomol., 2: 1064–1068.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pottinger, R.P. and LeRoux, E.J., 1971. The biology and dynamics ofLithocolletis blancardella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on apple in Quebec. Mem. Entomol. Soc. Can., 77: 437 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pree, D.J., Hagley, E.A.C., Simpson, C.M. and Hikichi, A., 1980. Resistance of the spotted tentiform leafminer,Phyllonorycter blancardella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), to organophosphorus insecticides in southern Ontario. Can. Entomol., 112: 469–474.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santos, M.A., 1976. Evaluation ofZetzellia mali as a predator ofPanonychus ulmi andAculus schlechtendali. Environ. Entomol., 5: 187–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sokal, R.R. and Rohlf, F.J., 1969. Biometry. W.H. Freeman, San Francisco, 776 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Specht, H.B., 1968. Phytoseiidae (Acarina: Mesostigmata) in the New Jersey apple orchard environment with descriptions of spermathecae and three new species. Can. Entomol., 100: 673–692.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanigoshi, L.K., 1982. Advances in knowledge of the Phytoseiidae. In: M. Hoy (Editor), Recent Advances in Knowledge of the Phytoseiidae. Univ. of California Press, Berkeley, pp. 1–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanigoshi, L.K., Hoyt, S.C. and Croft, B.A., 1983. Basic biology and management components for mite pests and their natural enemies. In: B.A. Croft and S.C. Hoyt (Editors), Integrated Management of Insect Pests of Pome and Stone Fruits. Wiley, New York, pp. 153–202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ubertalli, J.A., 1955. Life history ofEotetranychus uncatus Garman. J. Econ. Entomol., 48: 47–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van de Vrie, M., 1962. The influence of spray chemicals on predatory and phytophagous mites on apple trees in laboratory and field trials in the Netherlands. Entomophaga, 7: 243–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van de Vrie, M., 1972. Phytoseiid mites on tree crops, ornamental and wild plants in the Netherlands. Entomol. Ber. (Amsterdam), 32: 13–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van de Vrie, M., 1985. Apple. In: W. Helle and M.W. Sabelis (Editors), Spider Mites, Their Biology, Natural Enemies and Control. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 311–325.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weidhaas, J.A., 1965. The occurrence and importance of tetranychid and eriophyid mites on woody plants in New York. Adv. Acarol., 1: 25–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weires, R.W. and Smith, G.L., 1979. Mite predators in eastern New York commercial apple orchards. J.N.Y. Entomol. Soc., 87: 15–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, N.D. and Laing, J.E., 1977a. Some aspects of the biology and a laboratory life table of the acarine predatorZetzellia mali. Can. Entomol., 109: 1275–1281.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, N.D.G. and Laing, J.E., 1977b. Field observations ofZetzellia mali (Ewing) (Acarina: Stigmaeidae) in southern Ontario apple orchards. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont., 108: 23–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Woolhouse, M.E.J. and Harmsen, R., 1984. The mite complex on the foliage of a pesticide-free apple orchards: population dynamics and habitat associations. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Ont., 115: 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, 271, Matsudo, Chiba, Japan

    Hiroshi Amano

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, M5S 1A1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    D. A. Chant

Authors
  1. Hiroshi Amano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. A. Chant
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Amano, H., Chant, D.A. Species diversity and seasonal dynamics of Acari on abandoned apple trees in southern Ontario, Canada. Exp Appl Acarol 8, 71–96 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01193383

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01193383

Keywords

Search

Navigation