Control of the straw itch mite (Acari: Pyemotidae) with sulfur in an insect rearing facility.

L. M. Hanks, J. S. McCelfresh, J. G. Millar, T. D. Paine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The ectoparasitic mite Pyemotes tritici (Lagrèze-Fossat & Montané) (Acari: Pyemotidae) caused paralysis and reduced longevity in eucalyptus longhorned borer, Phoracantha semipunctata F., under laboratory rearing conditions. Application of dusting sulfur to logs that contained pupating borers greatly reduced densities of mites on emerging adult beetles and increased beetle survivorship. Uniform application to all logs in a glasshouse effectively eradicated the mite infestation. A bioassay showed that sulfur may physically impede the dispersal of immature mites by adhering to the cuticle, but sulfur vapor did not act as a toxin.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)683-686
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of economic entomology
Volume85
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology
  • Insect Science

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