Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of herbivory and plant conditioning on the population dynamics of spider mites

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

Abstract

Plants vary in their resistance to tetranychid spider mites, and this can have profound effects on spider-mite population dynamics. Such variation can be attributable to many factors. In this review, however, we focus on how previous or concurrent feeding by phytophagous hervivores influences expression of plant resistance to spider mites.

Induced resistance is a change in the host plant in response to extrinsic stimuli, resulting in reduced host suitability for the population growth of spider mites. We begin our review by summarizing the different ways in which spider mites and plants interact to produce induced resistance-like phenomena. We then discuss a number of hypotheses which address the mechanisms underlying induced resistance and end by suggesting agricultural applications. Although the potential use of induced resistance to manage spider mites is apparent, progress in this area will depend on a better understanding of the mechanisms involved and their associated costs and benefits to the plant.

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

  • Aina, O.J., Rodriguez, J.G. and Knavel, D.E., 1972. Characterizing resistance toTetranychus urticae in tomato. J. Econ. Entomol., 65: 641–643.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, K.L. and LaPre, L.F., 1979. Effects of pacific spider mite on physiological processes of almond foliage. J. Econ. Entomol., 72: 651–654.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avery, D.J. and Briggs, J.B., 1968a. The aetiology and development of damage in young fruit trees infested with fruit tree red spider mite,Panonychus ulmi (Koch). Ann. Appl. Biol., 61: 277–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avery, D.J. and Briggs, J.B., 1968b. Damage to leaves caused by fruit tree red spider mite,Panonychus ulmi (Koch). J. Hort. Sci. 43: 463–467.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avery, D.J. and Lacey, H.J., 1968. Changes in the growth-regulator content of plum infested with fruit tree red spider mite,Panonychus ulmi (Koch). J. Exp. Bot., 19: 760–769.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benz, G., 1977. Insect induced resistance as a means of self defense. BulletinScrop 1977: 155–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, C., 1984. Prey and predator emigration responses in the acarine systemTetranychus urticae-Phytoselulus persimilis. Oecologia (Berlin), 61: 134–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boulanger, L.W., 1958. The effect of European red mite feeding injury on certain metabolic activities of red delicious apple leaves. Maine Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., 570: 34pp.

  • Boykin, L.S. and W.V. Campbell, 1984. Wind dispersal of the two-spotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) in North Carolina peanut fields. Environ. Entomol., 13: 221–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brito, R.M., 1980. Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of 3 species ofTetranychus spider mites on cotton and the effect of their damage on transpiration and photosynthesis. Ph.D. diss., Univ. of California, Riverside, 125 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Croft, B.A., 1975. Integrated control of apple mites. Mich. State Univ. Ext. Bull., E-825, 12 pp.

  • Croft, B.A. and Hoying, S.A., 1977. Competitive displacement ofPanonychus ulmi (Acarina: Tetranychidae) byAculus schlechtendali (Acarina: Eriophyidae) in apple orchards. Can. Entomol., 109: 1025–1034.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crozier, R.H., 1985. Adaptive consequences of male-haploidy. In: W. Helle and M.W. Sabelis (Editors), Spider Mites, Their Biology, Natural Enemies and Control, Vol. 1A. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 201–222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cutright, C.R., 1963. The European red mite in Ohio. Ohio Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Bull. 953, 32 pp.

  • DeAngelis, J.D., Larson, K.C., Berry, R.E. and Krantz, G.W. 1982. Effects of spider mite injury on transpiration and leaf water stress in peppermint. Environ. Entomol., 11: 975–978.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeAngelis, J.D., Marin, A.B., Berry, R.E. and Krantz, G.W., 1983a. Effects of spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) injury on essential oil metabolism in pepperment. Environ. Entomol., 12: 522–527.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeAngelis, J.D., Berry, R.E. and Krantz, G.E., 1983b. Photosynthesis, leaf conductance, and leaf chlorophyll content in spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)-injured peppermint leaves. Environ. Entomol., 12: 345–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Boer, R., 1982. Partial hybrid sterility between strains of the arrhenotokous spider mite,Tetranychus urticae, complex. Genetica, 58: 23–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dicke, M., 1986. Volatile spider-mite phermone and host-plant kairomone, involved in spacedout gregariousness in the spider miteTetranychus urticae. Physiol. Entomol., 11: 251–262.

    Google Scholar 

  • Easterbrook, M.A., 1984. The biology and control of the rust mitesAculus schlechtendali andEpitrimerus piri on apple and pear in England. In: D.A. Griffiths and C.E. Bowman (Editors), Acarology VI, Vol. 2. Ellis Horwood, Chichester, Great Britain, pp. 797–807.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eichmeier, J. and Guyer, G., 1960. An evaluation of the rate of reproduction of the two-spotted spider mite reared on gibberellin-treated bean plants. J. Econ. Entomol., 53: 661–664.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferrer, D.C. and Hall, F.R., 1980. Effects of soil water stress and two-spotted spider mites on net photosynthesis and transpiration of apple leaves. Photosynth. Res., 1: 189–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flaherty, D.L. and Hoy, M.A., 1971. Biological control of pacific mites and Willamette mites in San Joaquin valley vineyards: Part III. Role of Tydeid mites. Res. Popul. Ecol., 13: 80–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flaherty, D.L., Hoy, M.A., Lynn, C.D. and Peacock, W.L. 1981. Spider mites. In: D.L. Flaherty, F.L. Jensen, A.N. Kasimatis, H. Kido and W.J. Moller (Editors), Grape Pest Managemen. Agricultural Sciences Publications, Berkeley, California, pp. 111–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flaherty, D.L. and Huffaker, C.B., 1970. Biological control of pacific mites and Willamette mites in San Joaquin valley vineyards: Part I. The role ofMetaseiulus occidentalis. Hilgardia, 40: 267–308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J.T., 1978. The use of avirulent virus strains to protect plants against the effects of virulent strains. Ann. Appl. Biol., 89: 110–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foott, W.H., 1962. Competition between two species of mites. I. Experimental results. Can. Entomol., 94: 365–375.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foott, W.H., 1963. Competition between two species of mites. II. Factors influencing intensity. Can. Entomol., 95: 45–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerhold, D.L., Craig, R. and Mumma, R.O., 1984. Analysis of trichome exudate from mite-resistant geraniums. J. Chem. Ecol., 10: 713–722.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gould, F., 1978. Predicting the future resistance of crop varieties to pest populations: a case study of mites and cucumbers. Environ. Entomol., 7: 622–626.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, R.I., 1980. Defenses triggered by previous invaders: viruses. In: J. Horsfall and E.B. Cowling (Editors), Plant Disease, Vol. 5. Academic Press, New York, pp 279–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, S. and Karban, R., 1986. Behavioural response of spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) to induced resistance of cotton plants. Ecol. Entomol., 11: 181–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haukioja, E. and Hakala, T., 1975. Herbivore cycle and periodic outbreaks. Formulation of a general hypothesis. Rep. Kevo Subarct. Res. Stn., 12: 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Helle, W. and Overmeer, W.P.J., 1973. Variability in Tetranychid mites. Annu. Rev. Entomol., 10: 97–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Helle, W. and Pieterse, A.H., 1965. Genetic affinities between adjacent populations of spider mites. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 10: 189–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, C.F. and Holloway, J.K. 1942. Influence of leaf age and feeding injury on the citrus red mite. J. Econ. Entomol., 35: 683–686.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herbert, H.J. and Butler, K.P., 1973. The effect of European red mite,Panonychus ulmi (Acarina: Tetranychidae), infestations on N, P, and K concentrations in apple foliage throughout the season. Can. Entomol., 105: 263–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hildebrand, D.F., Rodriguez, J.G., Brown, G.C., Luu, K.T. and Volden, C.S., 1986a. Periodixative responses of leaves in two soybean genotypes injured by two-spotted spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae). J. Econ. Entomol., 79: 1459–1465.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hildebrand, D.F., Rodriguez, J.G., Brown, G.C. and Volden, C.S., 1986b. Two-spotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestations on soybeans: effect on composition and growth of susceptible and resistant cultivars. J. Econ. Entomol., 79: 915–921.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karban, R., 1985. Resistance against spider mites in cotton induced by mechanical abrasion. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 37: 137–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karban, R., 1987a. Induced resistance against spider mites in cotton: field verification. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 42: 239–242.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karban, R., 1987b. Environmental conditions affecting the strength of induced resistance. Oecologia, 73: 414–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karban, R., 1988. Inducible resistance in agricultural systems. In: M.J. Raupp and D.W. Tallamy (Editors), Phytochemical Induction by Herbivores. Wiley, New York, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karban, R. and Carey, J.R., 1984. Induced resistance of cotton seedlings to mites. Science, 225: 53–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karban, R., Adamchak, R. and Schnathorst, W.C., 1987. Induced resistance and interspecific competition between spider mites and a vascular wilt fungus. Science, 235: 678–680.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kielkiewicz, M., 1985. Ultrastructural changes in strawberry leaves infested by two-spotted spider mites. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 37: 49–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kielkiewicz, M. and Van de Vrie, M., 1983. Histological studies on strawberry leaves damaged by the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae): Some aspects of plant self defense. Meded. Fac. Landbouww. Rijksuniv. Gent., 48: 235–245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuenen, D.J., 1949. The fruit tree red spider mite (Metatetranychus ulmi Koch, Tetranychidae, Acari) and its relation to its host plant. Tijdschr. Entomol., 91: 83–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuenen, D.J. and Post, A., 1958. Influence of treatment on predators and other limiting factors ofMetatetranychus ulmi (Koch). In: E.C. Becker (Editor), Proc. Tenth International Congress of Entomology, 17–25 August 1956, Montreal. Vol. 4, pp. 611–615.

  • Lane, H.C. and Schuster, M.F., 1981. Condensed tannins of cotton leaves. Phytochemistry, 20: 425–427.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larson, K.C. and Berry, R.E., 1984. Influence of peppermint phenolics and monoterpenes on two-spotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae). Environ. Entomol., 13: 282–285.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lienk, S.E. and Chapman, P.J., 1958. Influence of presence or absence of the European red mite on two-spotted mite abundance. J. Econ. Entomol., 44: 623.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margolis, P.C. and Kennedy, G., 1985. Movement of the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae, among hosts in a corn-peanut agroecosystem. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 35: 55–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGregor, E.A. and McDonough, F., 1917. The red spider on cotton. U.S.D.A. Bull. 416, 72 pp.

  • McMurtry, J., 1970. Some factors of foliage condition limiting population growth ofOligonychus punicae (Acarina: Tetranychidae). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am., 63: 406–412.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris, O.N., 1961. The development of the clover mite,Bryobia praetiosa (Acarina: Tetranychidae) in relation to the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrition of its plant host. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am., 54: 551–557.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, R., 1973. Growth and population dynamics of a spider mite (Tetranychus urticae K., Acarina: Tetranychidae). Ecology, 54: 1349–1355.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mothes, U. and Sietz, K.A., 1982. Fine structural alterations of bean plant leaves by feeding injury ofTetranychus urticae Koch (Acari, Tetranychidae). Acarologia, 23: 149–157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Overmeer, W.P.J. and Van Zon, A.Q., 1976. Partial reproductive incompatibility between populations of spider mites (Acarina: Tetranychidae). Entomol. Exp. Appl., 20: 225–236.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, C.G., Thurston, R. and Rodriguez, J.G., 1973. Two-spotted spider mite resistance in nicotiana species. J. Econ. Entomol., 67: 341–343.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, C.G., Knavel, D.E., Kemp, T.R. and Rodriguez, J.G., 1975. Chemical basis for resistance toTetranychus urticae Koch in tomatoes. Environ. Entomol., 4: 670–674.

    Google Scholar 

  • Potter, D.A., 1981. Agonistic behavior in male spider mites: factors affecting frequency and intensity of fighting. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am., 74: 138–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez, J.G. and Campbell, J.M. 1961. Effects of gibberellin on nutrition of the mites,Tetranychus telarius andPanonychus ulmi. J. Econ. Entomol., 54: 984–987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez, J.G. and Rodriguez, L.D., 1987. Nutritional ecology of phytophagous mites. In: F. Slansky and J.G. Rodriguez (Editors), Nutritional Ecology of Insects, Mites, Spiders, and Related Invertebrates. Wiley, New York, pp. 177–208.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sances, F.V., Wyman, J.A. and Ting, I.P., 1979. Physiological responses of spider mite infestations on strawberries. Environ. Entomol., 8: 711–714.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sances, F.V., Toscano, N.C., Oatman, E.R., LaPre, L.F., Johnson, M.W. and Voth, V., 1982. Reductions in plant processes byTetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) feeding on strawberries. Environ. Entomol., 11: 733–737.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santos, M.A., 1984. Effect of host plant on the predator-prey cycle ofZetzellia mali (Acari: Stigmaeidae) and its prey. Environ. Entomol., 13: 65–69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Storms, J.J.H., 1971. Some physiological effects of spider-mite infestation on bean plants. Neth. J. Plant Pathol., 77: 154–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suski, Z.W. and Naegele, J.A.. 1963. Light response in the two-spotted spider mite. I. Analysis of behavioral response. II. Behavior of the “sedentary” and “dispersal” phases. Adv. Acarol., 1: 435–453.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanigoshi, L.K. and Davis, R.W., 1978. An ultrastructural study ofTetranychus mcdanieli feeding injury to the leaves of red delicious apple (Acari: Tetranychidae). Int. J. Acarol., 4: 47–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomczyk, A. and Kropczynska, D., 1984. Feeding effects ofTetranychus urticae Koch on the physiology of some plants. In: D.A. Griffiths and C.E. Brown (Editors), Acarology VI, Vol. 2. Ellis Horwood, Chichester, Great Britain, pp. 740–746.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van de Vrie, M., McMurtry, J.A. and Huffaker, C.B., 1972. Ecology of tetranychid mites and their natural enemies: a review. III. Biology, ecology, and pest status, and host plant relations of Tetranychids. Hilgardia, 41: 343–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vermelinger, B., Oertli, J.J. and Delucchi, V., 1985. Effects of host plant nitrogen fertilization on the biology of the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 38: 23–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wrensch, D.L. and Young, S.S.Y., 1975. Effects of quality of resource and fertilization status on some fitness traits in the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch. Oecologia, 18: 259–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wrensch, D.L. and Young, S.S.Y., 1978. Effects of density and host quality on rate of development, survivorship, and sex ratio in the carmine spider mite. Environ. Entomol., 7: 499–501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, S.S.Y., Wrensch, D.L. and Kongchuensin, M., 1985. Geographic variations and combining abilities in the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae. Entomol. Exp. Appl., 39: 109–113.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of California, 95616, Davis, CA, (U.S.A.)

    Richard Karban & Greogory M. English-Loeb

Authors
  1. Richard Karban
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Greogory M. English-Loeb
    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

Karban, R., English-Loeb, G.M. Effects of herbivory and plant conditioning on the population dynamics of spider mites. Exp Appl Acarol 4, 225–246 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01196188

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01196188

Keywords

Search

Navigation