Mites Associated with Some Plants of the Family Solanaceae at Fayoum and Beheira Governorates

MITES ASSOCIATED WITH SOME PLANTS OF THE FAMILY SOLANACEAE AT FAYOUM AND BEHEIRA GOVERNORATES

MOHAMAD LAMLOM SALLAM B.Sc. Agric. Sci. (Plant protection), Fac. Agric., Cairo Univ., 2002

THESIS Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Agricultural Sciences (Agricultural Zoology)

Department of Zoology and Agricultural Nematology Faculty of Agriculture Cairo University EGYPT

2016

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study is to through light on studying mites associated with some plants of the solanaceae family, description and ontogenic development of immature stage of Cosmolaelaps keni Hafez, El-Badry and Nasr, studies included also biology of C. keni fed on various prey. Samples of mite species belonging to 3 sub orders were collected during the years of (2013, 2014 and 2015) from various Solanaceae plants. Samples collected from 2 Governorates (Beheira and Fayoum) in Egypt. The results revealed that, 35 mite species belonging to 17 families were recorded during my survey. Description of the C. keni male as well as the variation of the ontogenic development immature stages (Larva, Protonymph, and Deutonymph) was also studied. Cosmolaelaps keni was able to feed, develop and reproduce on active stages 1st and 2nd nymphal stages of Thrips tabaci and eggs of Tuta absoluta, Phthorimaea operculella and Agrotis ipsilon. Results indicated that, the mean consumption rate during the oviposition periods was similar when the predator fed on eggs of P. operculella and T. absoluta (211.22 and 205.67 eggs), respectively. The daily number of deposited eggs by C. keni was the highest on A. ipsilon eggs and the lowest being on T. tabaci nymphs. The effect of A. ipsilon, T. absoluta and P. operculella eggs and T. tabaci nymphs as food on the effects of various prey insects were included in the present study.The determination of the polyptides of different prey species with comparing the similarities index value of P. operculella, T. tabaci and A. ipsilon with T. absoluta indicated that the SI values was high (0.93) on P. operculella and T. tabaci related to T. absoluta. This indicated that there is great similarity between these samples to T. absoluta sample. On the other hand, the SI of A. ipsilon sample recorded the lowest value (0.77), indicating that there is a genetic variation between A. ipsilon sample and T. absoluta sample. Laboratory biological studies of mites of the family phytoseiidae were studied Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) and Cydnoseius negevi Swirski and Amitai. Results indicated that, insignificant differences was found on the life cycle duration of both predatory mites when offered T. tabaci. Results indicated that, the consumption rate during the oviposition period was significantly higher in N. barkeri than in C. negevi when both predators offered T. tabaci (163.50 and 124.72 nymphs), respectively. The mean consumption rate during the oviposition period was significantly lower on N. barkeri than C. negevi when both fed on B. Tabaci eggs (1.06and 33.56 eggs), respectively. Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez, mites of the family Stigmaeidae larvae of the predatory was failed to feed and develop beyond the larval stage on T. absoluta eggs. Newly emerged females was able to feed and sustain pre-oviposition period was 1.05 days while the ovi-position period being 17.58 days when females fed on eggs of T. absoluta. Females of A. exsertus were laid an average (44.16 eggs) during the oviposition period.

Key words: Acari, Laelapidae, Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae, Feeding habits, Cosmolaelaps keni, Neoseiulus barkeri, Cydnoseius negevi, Agistemus exsertus, Life table parameters, Biological control.

INTRODUCTION The Solanaceae family is a great commercial importance. Solanaceaous species are used for food (ex: potato, tomato, pepper), as drugs (ex: tobacco, deadly nightshade), and as ornamentals (ex: petunia, velvet tongue, Datura spp.) (Knapp et al., 2004). Governorates, Beheira and Fayoum, were considered as the North and South gates, respectively for Egypt. Cultivated area in Beheira and Fayoum on tomato plant is 39092 and 3673 feddans; respectively, pepper plant 4607 and 614 feddans; respectively, and potato plant in Beheira being 27893 feddans. Biological control of pest species has conservatively mainly focused on precise natural enemies for each pest (Hoy, 2005). The group of mesostigmatic mites represent an important constituent of the below ground food web, where they are generally measured to be predators feeding on small arthropods, worms and nematodes (Al-Rehiayani and Fouly, 2005; Joharchia and Halliday, 2011). Family laelapidae is considered one of the most essential groups of soil beneficial mites, where it regularly feeds on soil arthropods and nematodes (Walter and Campbell, 2003; Joharchia et al., 2012). Predatory mites of the genus Cosmolaelaps (Berlese) are important biological control agents for nematode, thrips and acarid mites (Moreira et al., 2015). Cosmolaelaps is diverse genus and most of its species are free-living in soil, organic matter, and humus of trees and moss Ramroodi, et al. (2014). Recently, Nasr and Momen (2016) stated that, five species only were recorded from Egypt, Cosmolaelaps keni Hafez, El-Badry and Nasr being the dominant one. Another family of mesostigmatic group is the family Phytoseiidae, which have very diverse food habits, ranging from generalist that feed on a variety of animal, insects and plant foods, to specialist predators on tetranychid / eriophyid /tydeid mites (McMurtry et al., 2013). Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) and Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai) are the main predators of pest mites and insects and are widely found on various crops. Both N. barkeri and C. negevi are generalist endogenous predators and they were able to control mite and insect pests of various families such as (Tetranychiidae, Eriophyidae, Thripidae and Aleyrodidae (Hansen, 1988; Momen, 1995; Calvo et al., 2003; Momen and Abdel-Khalek, 2008 and Momen et al., 2009). Mites of the family Stigmaeidae (Prostigmata) are another important biological control agents of many pest insects and mites. Agistemus exsertus Gonzales is considered as an egg predator of tetranychoid mites as well as some insects (Abou-Awad and El- Sawi, 1993; Momen, 2001 and El-Sawi and Momen, 2005). The successful use of a biological control agent needs, among other things, the accessibility of competent procedure for its mass production in a wide scale (van Lenteren 2000).

Aim of work

The present study has six objectives 1. Survey on various mites are associated with the tomato, pepper and potato plants in Beheira and Fayoum governorates. 2. Identifying the pest and predatory mite species are associated with the selected plants. 3. Describe and illustrated the male and immature stages of C. keni, which has not been described before. 4. To study the feeding habits of the dominant predatory mite species on pests infested selected plants. 5. Studying the genetic variation between various prey related to T. absoluta. 6. Comparing the prey consumption and fecundity of each predatory mite species were made to help in predicting of their possible role in greenhouses/ field.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

1. Mites associated with Solanaceae plants

Alexsandra et al., (2005) studied the occurrence of the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard and predatory mites on four of the most abundant native solanaceous plants in costal Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of twenty-seven species were found, of which the most common were the phytophagous species T. evansi and Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Tenuipalpidae), and the predaceous species Asca sp. (Ascidae), Phytoseius guianensis DeLeon and Paraphytoseius orientalis (Narayanan, Kaur and Ghai) (both Phytoseiidae). Prasad (2006) studied the occurrence and pest status of phytophagous mites common on vegetables. Only four groups, tetranychid (spider mites), tenuipalpid (false spider mites), tarsonemid (silver / broad mite) and eriophyid (erineum / gall mite), were found on vegetable crops in the Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand region in India from 2002 to 2004. Although vegetable crops were attacked by phytophagous mites almost throughout the year, the mite problem remained extremely severe during the summer months (April to July) followed by post-monsoon (September to October) periods. During the rainy season, mite species attained minor to mild pest status while during winter (December to February), their occurrence remained almost negligible and stray in general on commonly grown vegetables including okra, aubergine, tomato, chilli, french been, cowpea, pumpkin, bottle gourd and cucumber. Komik et al., (2007) surveyed the predators of the tomato red spider mite T. evansi on solanaceous plant were carried out in north-eastern and south-eastern Brazil. Survey were carried out in areas identified as climatically similar to regions in Africa where T. evansi has been reported as a pest and where prospective natural enemies may be introduced. A total of 56 & 445 mites and insects were found in 330 samples collected from 20 different species of solanaceous plant. Tetranychus evansi was found in only three samples, on Solanum americanum Mill and Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. The predominant predatory mites were (in decreasing order): Polioptila guianensis, Pronematus ubiquitus (McGregor), Asca sp., P. orientalis, Phytoseius woodburyii DeLeon, Amblyseius compositus Denmark and Muma, Homeopronematus anconai (Baker), Neoparaphytoseius sooretamus (El-Banhawy), Cunaxoides sp., Typhlodromus paraevectus Moraes and McMurtry, Typhlodromalus peregrines (Muma) and P. cismontanus DeLeon. However, no predatory mites were found in association with T. evansi. Prasanna and Prasad (2008) recorded three tetranychid mites (Tetranychus macfarlanei Baker & Pritchard, Tetranychus uritcae Koch and Tetranychus sp.) and their natural enemies (Predatory mite species found was Phytoseius minutus Narayanan, Kaur &

Ghai) prevailing on eggplants during spring and summer months of 2006-2007. Tetranychus evansi was a key pest of tomato in Africa. Vasquez et al., (2009) studied the phytophagous mites from natural vegetation in Venezuela. Survey was carried out from March 2007 to November 2008. In laboratory, plant material was examined under magnification and mite morpho-species belonging to tetranychid and tenuipalpid were picked up. A total of two tenuipalpid species and eight tetranychid species were identified. Tenuipalpid mites identified were B. phoenicis (Geijskes) on Melicoccus bijugatus (Sapindaceae) and Tenuipalpus sp was collected from Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae). On the other hand, tetranychid included T. urticae on Euphorbia pulcherrima (Euphorbiaceae), Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) on Lycopersicon sp. (Solanaceae), Tetranychus desertorum Bank on Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae), Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor) on Chlorophora tinctoria (Moraceae), Eotetranychus willamettei on Sterculia apetala (Sterculiaceae), Oligonychus biharensis (Hirst) on Clitoria sp. (Papilionaceae), Oligonychus sp. on Spathodea campanulata and Neotetranychus gloriosus Estebanes and Baker on Croton sp. (Euphorbiaceae).

2. Feeding habits of predatory mites of the family Laelapidae used in biological control More than one hundred species are known to belong to the genus Cosmolaelaps, of the subfamily Hypoaspidinae composed of edaphic and free-living species (Moreira et al., 2014). Nothing is known about the biology and potential as control agents of the huge popular of these species, but data about some species of this group indicates that they may be valuable as biological control agents of organisms which spend all or part of their lives in the soil (Al Rehiayani and Fouly, 2005). Table (1). Showed that selected literature review on feeding habits of predatory laelapid mites (Acari: Laelapidae) used in biological control. 3. Feeding habits of predatory Phytoseiid mites used in biological control Predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae are positively used as biological control agents against pest mites and insects (Helle & Sabiles, 1985and Bonde, 1989). McMurtry and Croft (1997) characterized the miscellany of life-styles in the family Phytoseiidae, based on dissimilarities in food exploitation, and they planned four main types as follows:

a. Type I. Specialized predators of Tetranychus species This category is measured as a genus-specific in regard to prey preference, and it represented only by Phytoseiulus species and is mainly associated with spider mites in the genus Tetranychus (de Moraes and McMurtry, 1985). b. Type II. Selective predators of tetranychid mites (most frequently associated with dense-web-producing species) Species in type II are frequently allied with Tetranychus sp. or those in other genera having species that produce a “webnest” (Bruce-Oliver & Hoy, 1990 and Ali, 1998).

c. Type III. Generalist predators Generalist predators feed on tetranychid and eriophyid mites which are vary from unfavourable to highly favourable (Momen and El-Saway, 1993), Thrips, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects (Bonde, 1989; McMurtry and Croft, 1997) and on pollen grains (Broufas and Koveos, 2000). d. Type IV. Specialized pollen feeders / Generalist predators This type currently includes only the genus Euseius. Species in this group are also polyphagous, but the propagative potential of several species is highest on pollen (Abou-Setta and Childers, 1987). Table (2). Presented that Selected literature review on feeding habits of predatory phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) based on the classification of McMurtry and Croft (1997).

SUMMARY 1. Mites associated with some plants of the family Solanaceae Samples of mite species belonging to three sub orders (Gamasida, Actinedida and Oribatida) were collected during the years of (2013- 2015). Samples were collected from two Governorates (Fayoum and Beheira) of Egypt. The results revealed that: Thirty five mite species belonging to 17 families and 3 sub orders were collected from solanaceae plants. a. Eight families belonging to suborder Gamasida were recorded, Parasitidae, Digamasellidae, Ologamasidae, Ascidae, Ameriosidae, Phytoseiidae, Macrochelidae and laelapidae. b. Suborder Actinedida is comprised of 5 families, Bdellidae, Cunaxidae, Stigmaeidae, Tetranychidae and Eriophyidae. c. Six families belonging to suborder Oribatida, these families were namely (Hypochthoniidae, Lohmanniidae, Oppidae, Hydrozetidae, Oribatulidae and Galumnidae). 2. Description and ontogenic development of immature stages of Cosmolaelaps keni (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) Studies included description of immature stages (larva, protonymph, deutonymph and male) of the common predatory mite of the family Laelapidae, C. keni. Studies included also ontogenetic development of setae on immature stages of the predatory mite C. keni.

3. Biological studies on various predatory mites Family: Laelapidae Some biological aspects of the laelapid mite, Cosmolaelaps keni were studied, using different types of prey (Tuta absoluta, Phthorimaea operculella, Agrotis ipsilon and Thrips tabaci). Effects of insect pests on the development, survival, consumption rate, and life table parameters of the predatory mite Cosmolaelaps keni 1. The predatory mite C. keni successfully developed from egg to adult, when was fed on eggs of A. ipsilon, T. absoluta, P. operculella and 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci, at 28°C and 70 ± 10% R.H. 2. The duration of the female life cycle averaged (8.00, 9.26 8.17 and 13.33 days), respectively, when C. keni was fed on A. ipsilon, T. absoluta, P. operculella eggs and 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci. 3. Significant differences were recorded on the oviposition period for C. keni fed on four prey’s A. ipsilon, T. absoluta, P. operculella and 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci. These periods averaged (24.28, 30.79, 24.28 and 51.22 days), respectively. 4. The duration of C. keni female longevity was longer on 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci (68.16 days) than on A.ipsilon eggs (35.67 days), respectively. 5. The average number of eggs laid per female C. keni was (107.11, 94.22, 97.44 and 94.11 eggs/♀), when the predator fed on eggs of A. ipsilon, T. absoluta, P. operculella and 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci, respectively.

6. The net reproductive rate (Ro) values were averaged (82.583, 69.348, 75.812 and 70.301)

while the generation time (T) being (27.144, 17.194, 14.962 and 25.198) and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) (0.163, 0.247, 0.289 and 0.169 days), when C. keni fed on A. ipsilon, T. absoluta, P. operculella eggs and 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci, respectively. Determination of the Molecular Weight of Thrips tabaci, Tuta absoluta, Phthorimaea operculella and Agrotis ipsilon The determination of the polyptides of different prey species is clearly variable. The total number of polypeptides was varied among preys, in the T. tabaci and P. operculella (671.299 KDa), T. absoluta (729.807 KDa) while in A. ipsilon (417.471 KDa). Samples of T. absoluta were detected with 8 pands, while in P. operculella and T. tabaci, the pand number 4 was disappeared to be only 7 pands. In A. ipsilon pands number 2, 3 and 5 was disappeared to be only 5 pands, in compered with T. absoluta sample. Results with comparing the similarities index value of P. operculella, T. tabaci and A. ipsilon with T. absoluta indicated that the SI values was high (0.93) with P. operculella and T. tabaci. This indicated that there is great similarity between these samples to T. absoluta sample. On the other hand, the SI of A. ipsilon sample recorded the lowest value (0.77), indicating that there is a genetic variation between A. ipsilon sample and Tuta sample. Family: Phytoseiidae Some biological aspects of the phytoseiid mite N. barkeri and C. negevi were studied, on two insect preys (T. tabaci and B. tabaci). Effects of insect pests on the development, survival, fecundity, consumption rate and life table statistics of the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri and Cydnoseius negevi 1. On Thrips tabaci a. The predatory mite N. barkeri and C. negevi were successfully developed from egg to adult, when fed on 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of Thrips tabaci at 28°C and 70 ± 5% R.H. b. The duration of N. barkeri and C. negevi females life cycle at 28°C and 70 ± 5% R.H. averaged 9.50 and 10 days, when the predators fed on 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of Thrips tabaci, respectively. c. Significant differences were recorded on the oviposition period of N. barkeri and C. negevi females fed on 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci. These periods were averaged 21.83 and 25.11 days, respectively. d. The duration of N. barkeri and C. negevi females longevity were 27.72 and 32.56 days, when the predatory mite fed on 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci, respectively. e. The average number of eggs laid per female of N. barkeri and C. negevi were (62.61 and 61.22 eggs/♀), when both predators fed on and 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci, respectively.

f. The net reproductive rate (Ro) of N. barkeri and C. negevi were 44.517 and 48.488, while the generation time (T) being 16.292 and 18.412, when fed on 1st and 2nd nymphal stage of T. tabaci, respectively. 2. On Bemisia tabaci a. The predatory mites N. barkeri and C. negevi were successfully developed from egg to adult, when fed on eggs of Bemisia tabaci at 28°C and 70 ± 5% R.H. b. The duration of N. barkeri and C. negevi life cycle was averaged (10.17 and 9.94 days), respectively, when both predators fed on eggs of Bemisia tabaci at 28°C and 70 ± 5% R.H. c. Significant differences were recorded on the oviposition period of N. barkeri and C. negevi females when fed on Bemisia tabaci eggs. These periods were averaged 1.11 and 15.22 days, respectively. d. Adult longevity of N. barkeri and C. negevi were 23.44 and 21.33 days, when the predatory mites fed on eggs of B. tabaci. e. The average number of eggs laid per female of N. barkeri and C. negevi were (1.06 and 23.22 eggs/♀), when both predators fed on eggs of B. tabaci, respectively.

f. The net reproductive rate (Ro) for N. barkeri and C. negevi was 0.610 and 16.093, while the generation time (T) being 10.765 and 15.527, when both predators fed on eggs of B. tabaci, respectively. The negative results was recorded on N. barkeri fed on B. tabaci eggs, indicated that the prey being inadequate for egg laying.

Family: Stigmaeidae Effects of Tuta absoluta eggs on development, adult longevity and fecundity of the predatory mite Agistemus exsertus 1. The predatory mite A. exsertus was failed to feed and developed, when fed on eggs of T. absoluta at 28°C and 70 ± 10% R.H. Newly emerged female was able to feed and sustain oviposition when offered T. absoluta eggs. 2. The physiological periods of A. exsertus fed on T. absoluta eggs was as follows, the pre-oviposition period was 1.05 days, oviposition period 17.58 days and postoviposition being 3.63days, respectively. 3. Adult longevity for A. exsertus was (22.26 days) when the predatory mite fed on eggs of T. absoluta. 4. The average number of eggs laid per female of A. exsertus was (44.16 eggs/♀) when the predator fed on T. absoluta eggs, respectively.