Dispersal of the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari:Tarsonemidae) by greenhouse pests

In this study, the relationship between the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) and three other important greenhouse pests, cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) as potential carriers was studied to understand the dispersal mechanisms of broad mite into greenhouses. The study was carried out on 2 cm diameter pepper leaf disks exposed to 2400 lux light intensity at 26 o C. Dead and live greenhouse pests and broad mite (20 mites/leaf disc) were placed together on leaf discs for 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours and the capability of each pest to carry the mite was evaluated. Results indicated that the attachment of the mite to the pests depends on the species, dead or alive status of pest and time. The data with dead individuals showed that average number of mites attached to B. tabaci and F. occidentalis were 15.4 and 3.12, respectively, after 8 hours. The attachment of the mite to L. trifolii was not observed. On the other hand the average number of mites attached to B. tabaci was 7.2 while no attachment to F. occidenatalis was observed after 8 hours with live individuals. These results indicated that B. tabaci plays a significant role in dispersal of the broad mite and therefore must be taken into consideration in the management of the mites in greenhouses.