Population Dynamics of Peach Silver Mite Aculus fockeui (Nalepa and Trouessart) (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Plum, Prunus domestica, and Peach, Prunus persica, (Rosaceae) in Yalova-Turkey

Abstract

Abstract. Peach silver mite, Aculus fockeui (Acari: Prostigmata) is one of the most damaging pests of plum and peach trees. A study was conducted to determine the population dynamics A. fockeui (Nalepa and Trouessart, 1890) (Acari: Eriophyidae) in pesticide-free plum and peach orchards in three different localities (Termal, Çınarcık, and Centrum) of the Yalova Province in Turkey during 2018–2019. Aculus fockeui were found on leaves throughout the vegetative period in both plum (Prunus domestica) and peach (P. persica) orchards, and populations reached their densities between June and August in both years. Temperature and host plant differences had a significant effect on the population density, which was significantly higher in plum orchards than peach orchards. The predators Zetzellia mali (Ewing) (Acari: Stigmaeidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were observed feeding on eriophyid mites in all orchards sampled. Further studies are needed to investigate their predation rate, effectiveness and potential as biological control agents for eriophyid mites.