Aceria tosichella

Aceria tosichella

Aceria tosichella on wheat

Aceria tosichella, commonly known as the wheat curl mite, is a species of mite in the family Eriophyidae. It is a significant agricultural pest, primarily affecting wheat and other cereal crops. The mite is known for its role in transmitting plant viruses, particularly the Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV).

Description

Aceria tosichella is a microscopic mite, measuring approximately 0.2 mm in length. It has an elongated, worm-like body typical of eriophyid mites, with two pairs of legs located near the head. The body is translucent, making it difficult to see without magnification.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Aceria tosichella includes the egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. The mite reproduces rapidly, with a generation time of about 10 days under optimal conditions. Females lay eggs on the surface of host plants, and the emerging larvae begin feeding immediately.

Host Plants

Aceria tosichella primarily infests wheat but can also be found on other grasses and cereal crops, including barley, corn, and oats. The mite feeds on the plant's epidermal cells, causing damage that can lead to reduced growth and yield.

Economic Impact

The presence of Aceria tosichella in wheat fields can lead to significant economic losses. The mite's feeding activity damages the plant, but more importantly, it acts as a vector for several plant viruses. The most notable of these is the Wheat streak mosaic virus, which can cause severe yield losses in infected crops.

Management Strategies

Managing Aceria tosichella involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. Crop rotation and the use of resistant wheat varieties can help reduce mite populations. Biological control agents, such as predatory mites, may also be effective. Chemical control is generally limited due to the difficulty of reaching the mites with pesticides.

Related Pages

• Wheat streak mosaic virus
• Eriophyidae
• Mite
• Cereal crops