Oral: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Combating Rose Rosette Disease: Science to Practice
97-S
Current state of knowledge on mite transmission and control.
R. Ochoa (1), G. Otero-Colina (2), J. Hammond (3), R. Jordan (3), G. Bauchan (1) (1) USDA, ARS, U.S.A.; (2) Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico; (3) USDA, ARS, US National Arboretum, U.S.A.
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Studies of the eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus which carries the rose rosette virus are being conducted at the microscopic level. Microscope techniques include bright field, DIC, variable pressure SEM and low temperature SEM. The eriophyid mite was first described by Keifer in 1940 but it was first suggested as the vector of RRD by the same author in 1966. The mites were originally collected from fruits around the seeds and the petiole bases of Rosa californica in Clarksburg, California.Today the mite is widely distributed in the U.S. on wild (Rosa multiflora) and commercial roses with different levels of virus damage and its presence is directly affecting rose production and gardening areas. Current studies on roses from different states indicate the presence of several species of eriophyid mites during different seasons of the year on different parts of the rose plants. Mites are primarily found on enclosed petioles/scales of vegetative buds, inside the flower sepals oppressed to the ovary/seeds, and on open leaves during the growing season. Mites appear to be hiding amongst dense simple and bulbous, glandular hairs (trichomes). These mites also overwinter in these same locations. In addition, we found predator mites in the families Phytoseiidae, Tydeidae and Bdellidae associated with these mites which can be used as a biological control. Control of rose rosette should include the removal of all mature fruits and infected plant tissue.