Spider Mite and Bacteria Presence in Cotton Fields

Jim Crocker
18th July, 2024

Spider Mite and Bacteria Presence in Cotton Fields

Morphological identification of the study's two key spider mite pests was based on the distinct aedeagus shapes of Tetranychus turkestani (A) and Tetranychus urticae (B).

Image adapted from: Yüksel et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • The study in Aydin province, Türkiye, found spider mites in 89% of cotton fields
  • The red form of Tetranychus urticae and Tetranychus turkestani were the most common species, making up 57.1% and 39.3% of the population, respectively
  • Wolbachia and Rickettsia bacteria were found in the spider mites, which may contribute to pesticide resistance
Spider mites pose a significant threat to cotton, a crucial fiber crop grown in sun-drenched regions. A recent study conducted by Aydin Adnan Menderes University investigated the prevalence and distribution of spider mite species infesting cotton fields in Aydin province, Türkiye[1]. The study found that spider mites were present in 89% of the surveyed fields, with the red form (RF) of Tetranychus urticae and Tetranychus turkestani being the most abundant species, making up 57.1% and 39.3% of the population, respectively. A minor presence of T. urticae green form (GF) was also observed at 3.6%. The distribution of these species varied geographically; T. urticae RF was more prevalent in coastal areas, while T. turkestani was common inland. This geographical variation correlated with the frequency of pesticide spraying, suggesting that T. urticae RF's greater capacity to develop resistance might be driving increased pesticide use in coastal regions. The study also explored the prevalence of endosymbionts—intracellular bacteria that live within the mites and can influence their biology. Specifically, the researchers looked for Wolbachia, Rickettsia, Cardinium, and Spiroplasma, which are known to be linked with pesticide resistance due to their ability to degrade pesticides. The presence of Wolbachia and Rickettsia was confirmed in the spider mite populations in Türkiye, but no Cardinium or Spiroplasma were detected. Infection rates of these endosymbionts varied between T. urticae and T. turkestani. This study builds on previous research that has shown the complex interactions between spider mites and their endosymbionts. For instance, Wolbachia is a well-documented symbiont known for inducing various reproductive abnormalities in arthropods, including cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis, and feminization of genetic males[2]. The presence of Wolbachia in the mite populations could be a factor in their pesticide resistance, which aligns with the findings of the current study. Previous research has also shown that T. urticae and T. turkestani are closely related species capable of producing viable hybrid offspring, although these hybrids are sterile[3]. This reproductive barrier supports the classification of T. turkestani as a separate taxon. The current study's finding that T. urticae RF is more prevalent in coastal areas and potentially more resistant to pesticides could be influenced by these reproductive dynamics and the presence of endosymbionts. Furthermore, the study's identification of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the spider mite populations aligns with earlier findings that these bacteria are prevalent in arthropod hosts and can significantly influence their biology[2]. The absence of Cardinium and Spiroplasma in the current study suggests that these bacteria may not play a role in the pesticide resistance observed in these mite populations. The presence of endosymbionts like Wolbachia and Rickettsia in spider mites has broader implications for pest management strategies. For example, biological control agents such as Neoseiulus cucumeris, a predatory mite used to control spider mites, also harbor endosymbionts like Wolbachia and Cardinium[4]. Understanding the bacterial communities within both pests and their predators could inform more effective integrated pest management strategies. In conclusion, this study by Aydin Adnan Menderes University provides valuable insights into the distribution and prevalence of spider mite species in cotton fields in Türkiye, as well as the role of endosymbionts in influencing pesticide resistance. Future research should focus on quantifying the resistance levels of these mite species and further investigating the role of their endosymbiotic bacteria in resistance mechanisms in cotton-growing areas.

AgricultureEnvironmentAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Prevalence of Tetranychus urticae Koch and T. turkestani (Ugarov & Nikolskii) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and their endosymbiotic bacteria in cotton fields of Aydin, Türkiye

Published 17th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-024-01179-x

Related Studies

2) Cloning and characterization of a gene encoding the major surface protein of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis.

Journal: Journal of bacteriology, Issue: Vol 180, Issue 9, May 1998

3) Asymmetric reproductive interference between two closely related spider mites: Tetranychus urticae and T. turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-008-9228-9

4) Comparison of bacterial microbiota of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its factitious prey Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae).

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-00046-6


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