Feeding preference and biological traits of panonychus ulmi on leaves of apple and grapevine

Abstract

Panonychus ulmi is widely distributed in apple and vineyards worldwide. In Brazil, the first damages were observed in apple orchard and later in grapevine. The aim of this study was to evaluate feeding preference and biological traits of P. ulmi on different grapevine varieties (BRS Vitória, Merlot (Vitis vinifera) and Concord (Vitis labrusca)) and apple Fuji (Malus domestica) under laboratory conditions. The food preference experiment did not reveal any significant differences, but P. ulmi presented the lowest rate of oviposition in Concord, demonstrating an oviposition preference in V. vinifera varieties and general preference for apple. Mortality was significantly different between varieties, with the lowest mortality on apple and higher oviposition rate in this host. Higher viability occurred on Merlot and apple. Feeding preference studies are scarce, considering phytophagous mites and grapevine varieties, although they are important in the development of pest control strategies.