Density and distribution of the flat mite (Brevipalpus yothersi) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on four Hibiscus varieties: do leaves tell the full story?

ABSTRACT: The flat mite, Brevipalpus yothersi (Baker, 1949) is widely distributed in the southern United States. This mite is associated with a citrus leprosis virus ((CiLV-C2) Cilevirus colombiaense strain hibiscus) infecting ornamental hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in Florida and Hawaii. Because hibiscus is a highly traded ornamental plant, CiLV-C2 has the potential to spread. In laboratory experiments, the abundance and distribution of B. yothersi were studied on four varieties of tropical hibiscus. Plants, grown from cuttings, were infested with female mites, and held in environmental chambers (25 °C, 75% RH). After 3 months, the plants were divided into strata representing the top, middle and bottom of the plant. All mites (including eggs) found on the leaves and woody parts (main stems and

SUBMITTER: Roda A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11638289 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature