Biodiversity and population dynamics of mites inhabiting date palm trees in Qalyubia and New Valley governorates, Egypt

Abstract EN

Incidence and population dynamics of mites inhabiting date palm trees were studied at two localities (Tanan village in Qalyubia and Paris oasis in the New Valley Governorate) from March to November during two seasons 2017-2018.

Obtained results indicated that 22 mite species belonging to 21 genera under 15 families.

These mites were classified according to their feeding habits into three categories: eight species are phytophagous mites (Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae, Eriophyidae and Phytoptidae), nine species are predacious mites (Bdellidae, Cheyletidae, Cunaxidae, Eupalopsellidae, Hemisarcoptidae, Phytoseiidae and Stigmaeidae), while the remaining five species are miscellaneous feeding behaviors (Acaridae, Tarsonemidae, Tydeidae and Oribatulidae).

The date palm dust mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) has become an important pest of immature date palm fruits on Sewi variety in the New Valley Governorate.

Whereas, Raoiella indica Hirst and Phyllotetranychus aegypticus (Sayed) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) are an important pest on fronds on Zaghlol variety in Qalyubia Governorate.

Results indicated that, the population dynamics of O.

afrasiaticus started with attacks fruits at second week of April and reached its peak in mid June in the first year and in late of June in the second year on Sewi date palm variety.

After that the mites migrate from fruits to fronds and weeds.

The population density of phytophagous and predaceous mites as well as weather factors was studied at the two governorates.

The dust mite, O.

afrasiaticus and tenuipalpid mites and their relatives, were more dangerous mites; therefore, more studies were carried out.

Recognize the time of the annual peaks of seasonal abundance for each phytophagous mite species, concerned with the time of starting the application of the suggested control program.