Search Results (175)

Background: Varroa destructor is the major threat to honey bee health, and selective breeding for resistance traits such as Varroa-sensitive hygiene represents a promising long-term strategy for controlling mite populations. However, breeding programs that rely on highly controlled mating schemes, including single-drone instrumental insemination, may reduce allelic diversity at the complementary sex determiner (csd) locus, potentially increasing the production of non-viable diploid males and compromising colony fitness. Methods: To evaluate whether csd diversity can be maintained under these conditions, we characterized the hypervariable region of csd in a selectively bred Apis mellifera population subjected to four years of selection. Using a validated de novo assembly pipeline, we reconstructed 43 amino-acid sequences from 33 diploid worker pupae sampled across 13 colonies. Results: Seven distinct alleles were identified, five of which were shared among multiple colonies and corresponded to variants already described in the literature, while two were private to individual colonies and novel in the literature. Colony-level frequency data revealed a moderate diversity: the most common allele was detected in nine colonies, with an allelic frequency of 31%. Moreover, the expected heterozygosity of the population was estimated at 0.79. Conclusions: Overall, these findings show that csd diversity can be partially maintained even under strong selective pressure when multiple maternal lines are retained, and they underscore the importance of incorporating genetic information into breeding decisions to support the long-term sustainability of selective breeding programs. Full article

Chiggers are common ectoparasites and the exclusive vector of scrub typhus. From November 2020 to October 2021, a 12-month investigation was conducted at Waxi Village of Binchuan County, Yunnan Province of southwest China, a focus of scrub typhus. A total of 217,671 chiggers collected from 1329 small mammal hosts (belonging to 18 species) at the survey site were taxonomically identified as 115 species and 13 genera in the family Trombiculidae with high species diversity. Among the 115 chigger species identified, there were nine vector species. The prevalence (P_M = 69.38%), mean abundance (MA = 163.79 mites/per examined host), and mean intensity (MI = 236.09 mites/per infested host) were high. Three rodent species, Rattus andamanensis, Apodemus chevrieri, and Mus caroli, were the dominant hosts. Three vector chiggers, L. deliense, L. scutellare, and L. imphalum, were the dominant chiggers, with a constituent ratio (C_r) of 60.72%. The indexes of chigger infestation and community showed varying degrees of monthly and seasonal fluctuations. From August (summer) to September and October (autumn), the Margalef richness index (R), Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H), and Pielou evenness (E) of chiggers were at low levels, but the Simpson dominance index (D) was at a high level. The C_r and infestation indexes (MA, MI) of chiggers were high from August to October in summer and autumn, with abundant vector chiggers (such as L. deliense and L. imphalum) appearing in these seasons. The species richness of chigger community was highest in winter, but lowest in summer. The similarity of the chigger community was very high between August (summer) and September to October (autumn). The evenness of the chigger community was highest in spring and lowest in summer. In conclusion, small mammals are susceptible to chigger infestation with coexistence of multiple vector chigger species. Most chigger species have a wide range of hosts with low host specificity. The abundant vector chiggers (especially L. deliense and L. imphalum) in summer and autumn suggests that the surveillance campaign of scrub typhus and vector chiggers should mainly focus on these two seasons at the survey site. Full article

Scale mites of the genus Geckobia (Pterygosomatidae) are highly specialized permanent parasites of geckos, but their diversity and ecology in arid environments remain poorly understood. We examined 1135 museum specimens of Ptyodactylus geckos collected from 1965 to 1991 across Israel and the West Bank’s Mediterranean–desert climate gradient to investigate environmental effects on Geckobia mite distributions and population structure. We analyzed prevalence, intensity, population structure, and seasonal patterns across three climate zones using standard parasitological methods and Köppen–Geiger climate classification. We describe two new species, Geckobia inermis sp. nov. and G. parva sp. nov., from Ptyodactylus puiseuxi and provide the first descriptions of previously unknown life stages: the male and nymphchrysalis of G. squameum and the imagochrysalis and larva of G. bochkovi. We report P. oudrii as a new host for G. synthesys and address taxonomic confusion regarding northern Israeli host populations following recent phylogenetic revisions of Ptyodactylus. Only 37 hosts were infected (3.26% prevalence), with a significant female bias in G. squameum populations. Most mites (94.6%) concentrated in the tympanum, where we documented a “double skin plug”, closing the ear opening and creating favorable microenvironments for mite survival. The results demonstrate climate as the primary factor structuring mite distributions: environmental filtering showed systematic prevalence decline from Mediterranean zones (4.3%) to desert-edge areas (1.1%), representing a 3.9-fold gradient that exceeded host species effects by 5.2-fold. Populations exhibited phenological plasticity, with Mediterranean mites peaking in winter versus spring activity in semi-arid zones. These findings reveal how climate constrains ectoparasite persistence in arid systems, with implications for understanding parasite responses to environmental change. Full article

Background/Objectives: The gut microbiome has an important role in immune regulation, and dietary interventions that support a balanced microbiota may help to prevent the development of allergic asthma. Dietary fibers can beneficially affect the intestinal microbiome, but due to the diversity of fiber types, the effects differ. In this study, we investigate the preventive effects of two mixes of short-chain and long-chain (1:1 and 9:1 ratio) fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic asthma. Methods: BALB/c mice received FOS-supplemented (1% w/w) diets before and during intranasal exposures to HDM. Endpoint airway hyperreactivity measurements were performed, followed by the collection of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung, serum and cecum content. Fecal microbiome composition was determined by DNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were determined in the cecum, serum and lung. Results: Fecal microbiome analyses revealed an increased abundance of Prevotellaceae after FOS1:1 supplementation in HDM-allergic mice. Additionally, FOS1:1 protected against an HDM-induced increase in basal airway resistance. Both FOS1:1 and FOS9:1 restored the systemic acetate levels in HDM-allergic mice. The two FOS supplementations did not affect HDM-induced inflammatory cell influx in the BALF. However, FOS1:1 increased the frequency of Th1-cells and prevented an HDM-induced increase in the Th2/Th1 balance. Upon ex vivo restimulation with HDM, lung cell suspensions of FOS1:1-fed mice produced less type 2-related cytokines compared to control-supplemented mice, and FOS9:1 followed a similar pattern. Conclusions: Specific short-chain and long-chain FOS ratios differentially affect the microbiome and immune system in a mouse model with HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. Dietary supplementation with FOS1:1 shifts the immune response away from type 2, suggesting that dietary fibers like FOS1:1 may contribute as a part of a broader strategy to modulate HDM-induced allergic asthma. Full article

Mites associated with birds comprise representatives of numerous families and display a remarkable diversity of ecological strategies, ranging from commensalism, in which the mite benefits without causing measurable harm to its host, to parasitism, which can lead to direct damage through feeding on host tissues or resources [...] Full article

Citrus leprosis (CL) and citrus zonate chlorosis (ZC) were first described in Brazil in the 1930s. Both diseases, which caused non-systemic lesions primarily characterized by chlorotic and/or necrotic spots, were associated with the presence of Brevipalpus mites. While CL has since been well characterized as being caused by viruses of the genera Cilevirus (family Kitaviridae) and Dichorhavirus (family Rhabdoviridae) and transmitted by several species of Brevipalpus mites, the causal agent of ZC remained unknown. In this study, we analyzed Citrus spp. samples exhibiting typical ZC symptoms using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to determine the etiology of ZC. We examined historical herbarium specimens collected between 1933 and 1965 alongside fresh samples collected from 2016 to 2022. Our results identified the higrevirus hibiscus green spot virus 2 (HGSV2, Higrevirus waimanalo) as the causal agent of ZC. In addition, we report for the first time the presence of a higrevirus in continental America, expand the diversity of known kitaviruses infecting citrus in Brazil, and demonstrate the transmission of an higrevirus by Brevipalpus yothersi and B. papayensis. Full article

Mite assemblages are integral components of forest ecosystems, yet their seasonal dynamics in moss microhabitats remain poorly understood. We investigated moss-dwelling mites in a peri-urban Mediterranean forest in Greece across three sampling periods (March, May, July 2020), analyzing 150 random samples. Diversity was assessed using Hill numbers, rarefaction, and β-diversity partitioning, while Indicator Species Analysis identified taxa linked to specific months. Functional structure was further examined through trophic guilds. Results revealed strong temporal shifts: richness peaked in March, whereas May and July harbored distinct assemblages with unique indicator taxa. Functional analyses indicated seasonal changes in trophic guild representation, reflecting resource-driven dynamics. These findings highlight the importance of moss microhabitats as reservoirs of mite diversity and underscore the need for temporal perspectives in Mediterranean forest biodiversity research. Full article

For the first time, studies have been conducted aiming at the diversity of the oribatid mites (Oribatida) that inhabit the nests of open-nesting birds of the genus thrushes (Turdus), particularly fieldfare (T. pilaris Linnaeus, 1758) and redwing (T. iliacus Linnaeus, 1766), in the taiga forests of the European north-east. Long-term observations were carried out in the green belt of the city of Syktyvkar (N 61°40′ E 50°50′) in 2021–2025. Among 168 studied thrush nests (fieldfare—138, redwing—30), 1982 specimens of oribatid mites of 35 species from 33 genera and 26 families were found. The nests of thrushes contain a mixed fauna of oribatid mites, including the following: (a) Soil species that obviously enter the nest with building materials collected by birds from the soil surface. These are epigeic species such as Eupelops plicatus, Neoribates aurantiacus, and Chamobates pusillus; hemi-edaphic species such as Heminothrus peltifer; and euedaphic species such as Oppiella nova and Quadroppia quadricarinata. (b) Tree-dwelling species that have been recorded as inhabiting epiphytic lichens in the European north-east, such as Ameronothrus oblongus, Ceratoppia quadridentata, Oribatula propinqua, Trichoribates berlesei, and Diapterobates oblongus. (c) Eurybiont species such as Tectocepheus velatus, Scheloribates laevigatus, and Oribatula tibialis. An increase in the number and diversity of oribatid mites was noted in nests collected after the end of the nesting period and the flight of chicks compared to nests collected in the spring (overwintered nests). Full article

Afforestation of post-agricultural land is one of the most important challenges of modern forestry, posed by economic demand and climate protection. Unfortunately, stands introduced on such degraded soils are not sustainable and their productive value is limited. The present study tested the effects of two substances—Humac and Alginite—on the community structure of mesostigmatid mites colonizing plots overgrown by Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd, also comparing them with the mite communities of arable field and 64-year-old stands of Pinus sylvestris L. and Quercus robur L. growing on post-agricultural land. A total of 306 mite individuals were recorded, belonging to 45 taxa and 14 families. The results indicate a moderately positive effect of Humac fertilization on the mite communities studied. A similar impact has not been demonstrated for Alginite. In contrast, all parameters studied (density, species richness and diversity of mite communities) reached the highest values in the P. sylvestris stand. Humac application harmonizes Mesostigmata mite community structures between young and older stands and may be considered a beneficial practice for the afforestation of former agricultural land. Full article

Studies of the genetic diversity of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ strains based on housekeeping genes have been unsuccessful. The increasing availability of complete genome sequences of several strains from different countries has allowed the identification of regions having greater variability, which have been successfully implemented for the bacterium characterization, including microsatellites, genes of prophage origin, and miniature transposable elements with inverted-repeats (MITEs). In the present work, the genetic structure of 147 ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ strains from nine provinces of Cuba were investigated using two polymorphic regions, consisting of typing for prophages and MITEs. The results showed an important level of coexistence of type 1 and 2 prophages in the Cuban strains, while the type 3 prophage was not detected. Likewise, a high rate of co-occurrence of both types of MITEs (MCLas-A and -B) was also observed. However, the MITE MCLas-A was detected only in its empty form. The double-locus analysis allowed the identification of eight genotypes. Out of these, seven genotypes were present in the Western region, which constitutes the region with the highest genetic variability. This is the first report of a genetic characterization of Cuban strains of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ with polymorphic markers in orchards growing in commercial citrus regions. Full article

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. is a major ornamental crop that suffers from diverse fungal, bacterial, viral, and insect pests, causing significant yield and quality losses. Between 2015 and 2025, rapid progress in molecular biology, genomics, and ecological regulation has advanced both fundamental research and applied control strategies. Multi-locus sequencing, multiplex PCR, and next-generation sequencing refined the identification of fungal and bacterial pathogens, while functional studies of WRKY, MYB, and NAC transcription factors revealed key resistance modules. Hormone-mediated signaling pathways, particularly those of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid, were shown to play central roles in host defense. Despite these advances, durable genetic resistance against bacterial pathogens and broad-spectrum defense against viruses remains limited. Novel technologies, including virus-free propagation, RNA interference, and spray-induced gene silencing, have shown promising outcomes. For insect pests, studies clarified the damage and virus-vectoring roles of aphids and thrips, and resistance traits linked to trichomes, terpenoids, and lignin have been identified. Biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma spp., Bacillus spp., predatory mites, and entomopathogenic fungi have also demonstrated efficacy. Future efforts should integrate molecular breeding, genome editing, RNA-based tools, and microbiome management to achieve sustainable chrysanthemum protection. Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital food crop for majority of the world’s population. However, its yield potential is significantly threatened by insect pests, which adversely affect production, quality, and overall food security. The diverse array of insect pests throughout wheat’s growth stages necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with wheat cultivation. This review critically assesses the diversity, biology, ecology, and management strategies of major insect pests in North India, including aphids, termites, pink stem borer, gram pod borer, armyworm, and brown wheat mite. These pests infest wheat at various growth stages, posing significant challenges to sustainable production. Moreover, existing pest control strategies are challenged by evolving agronomic practices in the region and climate change globally. As agricultural systems worldwide aim for sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change, this review advocates for the adoption of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach combining innovative and traditional pest control strategies to enhance ecosystem services and fortify the resilience of agricultural systems. By interlinking these pivotal elements, this review presents a valuable perspective on the important pests affecting wheat and the currently used IPM practices, emphasizing the need for adaptive management in the context of evolving climate challenges. Full article

Microplastic (MPL) and nanoplastic (NPL) contamination in soils is widespread, impacting soil invertebrates, microbial communities, and soil–plant systems. Here, we compiled the information from 100 research articles from 2018 onwards to enhance and synthesize the status quo of MPLs’ and NPLs’ impacts on such groups. The effects of these pollutants depend on multiple factors, including polymer composition, size, shape, concentration, and aging processes. Research on soil invertebrates has focused on earthworms and some studies on nematodes and collembolans, but studies are still limited to other groups, such as mites, millipedes, and insect larvae. Beyond soil invertebrates, plastics are also altering microbial communities at the soil–plastic interface, fostering the development of specialized microbial assemblages and shifting microbial functions in ways that remain poorly understood. Research has largely centered on bacterial interactions with MPLs, leaving understudied fungi, protists, and other soil microorganisms. Furthermore, MPLs and NPLs also interact with terrestrial plants, and their harmful effects, such as adsorption, uptake, translocation, and pathogen vectors, raise public awareness. Given the complexity of these interactions, well-replicated experiments and community- and ecosystem-level studies employing objective-driven technologies can provide insights into how MPLs and NPLs influence microbial and faunal diversity, functional traits, and soil ecosystem stability. Full article

The family Suidasiidae Hughes (Acari: Sarcoptiformes: Acaroidea) comprises a small but ecologically diverse group of mites. The genus Neosuidasia is currently monotypic, containing only the species Neosuidasia faini Ranganath & ChannaBasavanna. Although this genus exhibits a wide geographic distribution, ontogenetic research into it remains scarce. This study describes a new species, Neosuidasia sjorsvandenbergi sp. nov., found in domestic poultry in the Netherlands and comprehensively presents the morphological changes across all known life stages, including the adult female, male, tritonymph, protonymph, larva, and egg stages. By documenting the developmental changes and setal patterns throughout ontogeny, this study addresses a significant gap in the understanding of suidasiid mite development. Full article

Tetranychus urticae, commonly known as the two-spotted spider mite, is a highly adaptable and polyphagous arthropod in the family Tetranychidae, capable of feeding on over 1200 plant species, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The fitness and microbiota of herbivorous arthropods can vary significantly across different plant species and cultivars. In this study, we investigated the fecundity, longevity, growth rate, and microbiota composition of T. urticae reared on seven Chinese strawberry cultivars: Hongyan (HY), Yuexiu (YX), Tianshi (TS), Ningyu (NY), Xuetu (XT), Zhangjj (ZJ), and Xuelixiang (XLX). Our findings revealed significant differences among cultivars: mites reared on the XT cultivar exhibited the highest fecundity (166.56 ± 7.82 eggs), while those on XLX had the shortest pre-adult period (7.71 ± 0.13 days). Longevity was significantly extended in mites reared on XLX, XT, and NY cultivars (25.95–26.83 days). Microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Proteobacteria dominated (>89.96% abundance) across all mite groups, with Wolbachia as the predominant symbiont (89.58–99.19%). Male mites exhibited higher bacterial diversity (Shannon and Chao1 indices) than females, though Wolbachia abundance did not differ significantly between sexes or cultivars. Functional predictions highlighted roles of microbiota in biosynthesis, detoxification, and energy metabolism. These findings underscore the influence of host plant variety on T. urticae fitness and microbiota composition, suggesting potential strategies for breeding resistant strawberry cultivars and leveraging microbial interactions for pest management. Full article