Abstract:
Eriophyoid mites are highly host-specific, microscopic phytoparasites that primarily disperse to new hosts passively via wind. This seems paradoxical, as the likelihood of landing on an appropriate host species needed to survive appears low. Here we investigate two eriophyoids found on the Norway maple Acer platanoides: Aceria platanoidea and Shevtchenkella serrata. For 14 months, we observed mite phenotypical changes and micro-habitat distribution on host plants and their propagules. Both mite species hibernate on twigs or samaras fallen on the ground, and, in the spring, feed on buds or seedlings, respectively. This apparently novel association with plant seeds indicates that the mites can exploit the host dispersal mechanism and colonize the next generation of hosts (vertical transmission). Our seasonal and DNA sequence data also indicate that S. serrata has two distinct morphotypes that partially overlap seasonally. This work can provide new insights into the dispersal routes of eriophyoid mites and transmission patterns of plant pathogens vectored by these mites, with implications for better pest mite species control.
摘要:
类螨是高度宿主特异性的,主要通过风被动分散到新寄主的微观植物寄生虫。这似乎自相矛盾,因为降落在生存所需的适当宿主物种上的可能性似乎很低。在这里,我们研究了在挪威枫树Acerplatanoides上发现的两种叶类植物:Aceriaplatanoidea和Shevtchenkellaserrata。14个月来,我们观察到寄主植物及其繁殖体的螨表型变化和微生境分布。两种螨虫都在树枝上冬眠,或者落在地上的萨马拉,and,在春天,以芽或幼苗为食,分别。与植物种子的这种明显新颖的关联表明,螨虫可以利用宿主扩散机制并定居下一代宿主(垂直传播)。我们的季节和DNA序列数据还表明,S.serrata具有两种不同的形态类型,它们在季节上部分重叠。这项工作可以提供新的见解类螨的传播途径和通过这些螨的植物病原体的传播模式,对更好地控制害虫螨物种有影响。