Molecular variation of the cytochrome b DNA and protein sequences in Phytoseiulus macropilis and P. persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) reflect population differentiation.

Several phytoseiid mite species are important natural enemies used in biological control strategies. In the present study, Cytb mtDNA sequences of various populations of two species, Phytoseiulus macropolis and P. persimilis, were compared to determine whether the specimens collected in Brazil could belong to P.

Development of microsatellite markers for the predatory mite Phytoseiulus macropilis and cross-amplification in three other species of phytoseiid mites.

Phytoseiid mites are efficient predators of mites and small pest insects. Understanding the dispersion and distribution pattern of phytoseiid mites is essential to promote the conservation of these natural enemies and support their use in biological control. Population genetic studies using molecular markers such as microsatellites have proved to be extremely informative to address questions about population structure and dispersion patterns of predatory mites.

Stability and fitness costs associated with etoxazole resistance in Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae).

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is one of the most important pests on a wide range of crops worldwide. Studies on stability of resistance and possible fitness costs associated with etoxazole resistance were carried out in T. urticae to provide basic information necessary to define effective acaricide resistance management strategies for this pest.

Pyrethroid resistance in Phytoseiulus macropilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae): cross-resistance, stability and effect of synergists.

Phytoseiulus macropilis Banks (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is an effective predator of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). The objectives of this research were to study the stability of fenpropathrin resistance and the cross-resistance relationships with different pyrethroids, and also to evaluate the effect of synergists [piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM) and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF)] on fenpropathrin resistant and susceptible strains of this predaceous mite. The stability of fenpropathrin resistance was studied under laboratory conditions, using P.

Interspecific interactions involving Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Agistemus brasiliensis (Acari: Stigmaeidae) as predators of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) is associated with the transmission of Citrus leprosis which is considered the main viral disease for the Brazilian citrus production. Mites of the families Stigmaeidae and Phytoseiidae coexist in various agricultural crops, often promoting the biological control of pest mites. The aim of this work was to study the interactions of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae) and Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli, Ueckermann & Oliveira (Stigmaeidae), in the presence or absence of B.

Comparison of conventional and integrated programs for control of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae).

The twospotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, is one of the main pests on strawberry crops in Brazil. TSSM can be difficult to control due to acaricide resistance. The objective of this work was to compare the effect of conventional and integrated strawberry production (ISP) systems on mite abundance and acaricide resistance.

Diagnosis of amitraz resistance in Brazilian populations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) with larval immersion test.

Among the ectoparasites of cattle, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae) remains a major cause of economic losses to livestock. The chemical control with acaricides is still the most efficient method available to control ticks. The aims of this study were to diagnose resistance to amitraz in 16 tick populations from the States of São Paulo (14) and Paraná (2), using the larval immersion technique (LIT), and evaluate the effect of synergists [piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM), triphenyl phosphate (TPP)] on amitraz resistant and susceptible strains of cattle tick.

Milbemectin resistance in Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae): selection, stability and cross-resistance to abamectin.

Studies on artificial laboratory selections with milbemectin, stability of milbemectin resistance and possible cross-resistance with abamectin were carried out with Tetranychus urticae Koch to provide basic information for a milbemectin resistance management program. Selections for resistance and susceptibility to milbemectin were performed in a population of T. urticae, collected from a commercial chrysanthemum field in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Population dynamics of phytophagous and predaceous mites on coffee in Brazil, with emphasis on Brevipalpus phoenicis (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The objective of this work was to study the population dynamics of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) and predaceous mites (Phytoseiidae and Stigmaeidae), as well as the interactions among these mite species, in a coffee plantation in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Tydeids were also evaluated because of the high frequency of these mites on coffee plants. Samples of leaves, branches and fruits were taken fortnightly, from April 2001 to June 2003, from plants randomly chosen in the coffee plantation.

Management of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in strawberry fields with Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and acaricides.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) for the control of Tetranychus urticae Koch in commercial strawberry fields, under greenhouse conditions, in association or not with the use of acaricides. The N. californicus strain used in this study was tolerant or resistant to several pesticides.

Monooxygenase activity in methidathion resistant and susceptible populations of Amblyseius womersleyi (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase activities in methidathion resistant and susceptible strains of Amblyseius womersleyi Schicha. Artificial laboratory selections for resistance and susceptibility to methidathion were performed in an organophosphate resistant strain of A. womersleyi (Kanaya strain).