Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) 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 on citrus in Florida, it was reported recently in Central America and constitutes a potential threat to the citrus industries in North America. More than ten tenuipalpid mites occur on citrus worldwide with B. californicus, B. obovatus, and B. phoenicis being the most common species. The mites are polyphagous with hundreds of host plants identified per species. Concern exists about the potential of multiple species existing within the B. californicus, B. obovatus, and B. phoenicis groups. A clear identification of agronomically important species of pests, especially vectors like Brevipalpus, is necessary in order to properly establish their diversity, host ranges and population dynamics, as well accurately design control tactics to reduce the spread citrus leprosis. Interestingly, the general mode of reproduction of B. phoenicisis thelytokous parthenogenesis (female offspring), and the mite has a haploid genome. Brevipalpus mite specimens were collected from different plants, especially citrus, in Florida. The mites were used to establish colonies that were reared on citrus fruit under standard laboratory conditions. 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 gene fragment. Variability among the colonies was detected with consistent differences obtained between dates using both molecular techniques. The mites from each colony were identified as B. phoenicis
.
Species 1: Acari Tenuipalpidae Brevipalpus phoenicis
Keywords: phylogenetics
Back to Display Presentations, Section A. Systematics, Morphology, and Evolution
Back to Posters
Back to The 2003 ESA Annual Meeting and Exhibition