Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #157459
Title: MITOCHONDRIAL DNA AND RAPD POLYMORPHISMS IN THE HAPLOID MITE BREVIPALPUS PHOENICIS (ACARI: TENUIPALPIDAE)

Author
item RODRIGUES, J.C.V. - LAKE ALFRED, FL
item MEAGHER, M. GALLO - GAINESVILLE, FL
item ADAMS, B - PROVO, UT
item Ochoa, Ronald - Ron
item CHILDERS, C - LAKE ALFRED, FL

Submitted to: Experimental and Applied Acarology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/7/2004
Publication Date: 11/11/2004
Citation: Rodrigues, J., Meagher, M., Adams, B.J., Ochoa, R., Childers, C.S. 2004. Mitochondrial DNA and RAPD polymorphisms in the haploid mite Brevipalpus phoenicis.(Acari: Tenuipalpidae). Experimental and Applied Acarology. 34:275-290.

Interpretive Summary: The flat mite is one of the most important species of the false spider mites. Not only is it important for the feeding damage that it causes to its host, but it is also a vector of the highly destructive citrus leprosis virus. There is a concern that this mite may encompass a number of structurally similar species or a least have a large amount of genetic variability that could impact control strategies. Results of analyses using two different molecular techniques demonstrated that populations from Brazil were consistently different from Florida populations even though no structural differences could be detected. This paper is one of the first to demonstrate consistent genetic differences in populations of this species and will alert researches and pest management specialists to problems that may arise when implementing control strategies. This paper will be important to researchers, control and quarantine programs, integrated pest management specialists, citrus growers, ecologists, and persons involved in mite studies.

Technical Abstract: Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is recognized as the vector of citrus leprosis virus that is a significant problem in several South American countries. Although citrus leprosis no longer occurs in Florida citrus, it was reported recently in Central America and constitutes a potential threat to the citrus industries of North America and the Caribbean. Brevipalpus phoenicis, B. obovatus Donnadieu, and B. californicus (Banks) are cosmopolitan and polyphagous species each with hundreds of host plants. Brevipalpus mite specimens were collected from different plants, especially citrus, in Florida (USA) and São Paulo (Brazil). The mites were used to establish colonies that were reared on citrus fruit under standard laboratory conditions [25o(+1)C and 70%(+5) air humidity]. Mites were taken from these colonies for DNA extraction and for species identification. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were scored along with amplification and sequencing of a mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene fragment. Variability among the colonies was detected with consistent congruent differences obtained between dates using both molecular techniques. Mitochondrial analyses identified the occurrence of geographical differentiation of genotypes from Florida and São Paulo. The mites from the Florida and Brazilian colonies were morphologically identified as B. phoenicis.