Aceria tosichella: Cryptic but diverse

The wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella Keifer, is widespread throughout North America and it transmits three viruses, wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus, and Triticum mosaic virus to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).  This virus complex creates serious disease problems in winter wheat throughout the Great Plains.  However, A. tosichella has a long history of serious taxonomic confusion.  Molecular techniques have recently been used to characterize multiple A. tosichella populations from many regions of the world.  The separation of these groups is beginning to shed light on significant biological and ecological differences (e.g. biotypic, host, virus-vector relationship).  These differences underscore the importance of accurately identifying mite populations and understanding the implications that identity and its associated biological diversity may have for improving the management of this virus complex.