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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #99838

Title: REVISION OF THE MITE FAMILY PHYTOPTIDAE

Author
item Ochoa, Ronald - Ron

Submitted to: BARC Poster Day
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The mite family Phytoptidae includes five subfamilies: Prothricinae (1 genus), Novophytoptinae (1 genus), Nalepellinae (6 genera), Phytoptinae (3 genera) and Sierraphytoptinae (7 genera). All the subfamilies are Phytophagous on various agricultural, forest, fruit and ornamental plants of the families Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Arecaceae, Rosaceae, Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Pinaceae. Most of these species cause chlorosis, necrosis and loss of yield in the plant host. Their small size, high reproductive rates, short life cycle, high migratory capacity and ability to adapt to various ecological conditions make field diagnosis and control difficult. Phylogenetic analysis of these genera, using taxonomic characters from external morphology, suggests relationships different from those established by previous workers. Establishment of accurate relationships will result in predictive information on potential pest species and host associations.