Neozygites abacaridis sp. nov. (Entomophthorales), a new pathogen of phytophagous mites (Acari, Eriophyidae)

J Invertebr Pathol. 2003 Jul;83(3):223-9. doi: 10.1016/s0022-2011(03)00088-0.

Abstract

A new entomopathogenic fungus, described here as Neozygites abacaridis n. sp. (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales), has been found on the mites Abacarus hystrix, Aculodes dubius, and A. mckenziei (Acari: Eriophyidae). It differs from other Neozygites species affecting mites by its small, globose primary conidia, short-ovoid, smoky coloured capilliconidia, and very short capillary conidiophores-which are usually not longer than the spore length. This pathogen infected mite individuals in autumn (from mid-August until mid-November) on Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, and Festuca rubra. It caused 0.5-1% host's mortality in the vicinity of Siedlce (Eastern Poland) and up to 2-8%, on an average in Puszczykowo (Wielkopolski National Park near Poznań), where its prevalence on some plants reached 13%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acari / parasitology*
  • Animals
  • Entomophthorales / classification
  • Entomophthorales / pathogenicity
  • Entomophthorales / ultrastructure*
  • Spores, Fungal / physiology
  • Spores, Fungal / ultrastructure
  • Zygomycosis / mortality