Publications by authors named "Domenico Valenzano"

Background: The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), which is an endangered species, harbors several parasites. Among the ectoparasites that it harbors, ear mites of the genus Loxanoetus have the potential to cause external otitis, an inflammation that may also be associated with the presence of other microorganisms. We assessed the relationships between ear mites, nematodes, yeast, bacterial rods, and cocci sampled from the ears of captive Asian elephants in Thailand.

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This study focuses on interacting with insects and their ectosymbiont () microorganisms for environmentally safe plant production and protection. Some cases help compare ectosymbiont microorganisms that are insect-borne, -driven, or -spread relevant to endosymbionts' behaviour. Ectosymbiotic bacteria can interact with insects by allowing them to improve the value of their In addition, some bacteria are essential for creating ecological niches that can host the development of pests.

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The taxonomy of appears to be an unresolved question and its clarification is required, owing to the potential relevance of this mite species as a biological control agent of the tree of heaven. This paper is aimed at giving accurate details on a previously and shortly announced synonymization with using a morphological and molecular approach. A fusiform morph of was distinguished from a vermiform morph and this latter was recognized as deutogyne, which was herein documented.

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The eriophyoid mite Aceria massalongoi (Canestrini) was collected from globoid leaf galls on severely injured chaste trees, Vitex agnus-castus L. (Lamiaceae), in Bari and Bernalda (southern Italy), and on the Ionian island Leukade (Greece). Female, male and nymph were described in detail, following the current morphometric descriptive scheme, supplementing older and incomplete descriptions.

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The grapevine erineum mite strain (GEM) of Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) has spread throughout the main viticultural areas worldwide and was recently demonstrated to be a vector of Grapevine pinot gris virus (GPGV) and Grapevine inner necrosis virus (GINV). Its females mainly overwinter under the outer bud scales as winter morphs (deutogynes). Goals of this study were to characterize the morphology of protogynes (spring-summer morphs) and deutogynes (winter morphs), to confirm their genetic similarity, and to establish the seasonal period of the deutogyne occurrence.

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Dispersal of eriophyoid mites is crucial for the successful colonization of new plants. Literature suggests that their long-distance dispersal is through aerial transfer. During dispersal, eriophyoids might be captured in vapor or fine drops of water (perhaps most likely in clouds) where they might be protected against water loss and desiccation, but where they would have no food and be exposed to low temperatures and oxygen concentrations.

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Eriophyoid mites (Acari Eriophyoidea) are phytophagous arthropods forming intimate relationships with their host plants. These mites are associated with annual and perennial plants including ferns, and are highly specialized with a dominant monophagy. They can be classified in different ecological classes, i.

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Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) is a new virus reported in Europe and several other grape-growing countries. In an attempt to identify a vector for GPGV, samples of the eriophyid mite Colomerus vitis collected from buds and erinea in GPGV-infected vines were analysed by RT-PCR, using specific primers. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of GPGV in C.

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