Leaf Geometry in Jasminum spp. viss-a-vis Infestational Distribution of Crimson spider mite, Tetranychus lombardinii Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Author: Pooja and N. Srinivasa

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Abstract

The crimson spider mite, Tetranychus lombardinii Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) has been a significant emerging pest on different species of Jasminum, causing considerable damage by sucking the sap from the leaf tissues. Leaf morphological characters and nutritional contents play an important role on the distribution and survival of the pest. The study has been undertaken to understand the relationship between morphological characters (leaf morphology) and natural infestation of mites under field conditions. There were significant differences with respect to leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf thickness across the different Jasminum spp. Though the overall area of J. auriculatum leaf was the lowest (4.83 cm2), but it harboured a greater number of mites i.e., 23.60 mites/cm2 leaf area comparable to the number of mites inhabiting the leaves of J. grandiflorum and J. sambac with 25.20 and 21.60 mites/cm2 leaf area, respectively. It is opined that crimson spider mite infestational distribution on Jasminum leaves depends on the leaf area as well as the leaf geometry (i.e., leaf type), which is probably associated with mite colonisation and its mobility for damaging activities such as feeding, egg laying, webbing etc. The information with respect infestational distribution and survival on different Jasminum spp. aids in the development of appropriate management measures against crimson spider mite, T. lombardinii in the field.

Keywords

Jasmine, Tetranychus lombardinii, leaf morphology, distribution

Conclusion

Both the host plant texture (leaf morphology) and host plant physiology imply a significant impact on survival, infestational distribution and population buildup of crimson spider mite pest on leaves of Jasminum spp. Understanding of plant architecture as well as biochemical profile of Jasminum host plants largely determine the mite infestation pattern and the intensity of mite infestation to decide on the appropriate management strategy.

References

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How to cite this article

Pooja and N. Srinivasa (2023). Leaf Geometry in Jasminum spp. viss-a-vis Infestational Distribution of Crimson spider mite, Tetranychus lombardinii Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 576-579.