A method to test compounds for feeding deterrence towards redlegged earth mite (acarina:penthaleidae)

Emilio Ghisalberti, T.J. Ridsdill-Smith, J. Jiang

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13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A bioassay, based on a membrane sachet technique, has been developed to identify antifeeding compounds affecting the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Acari: Penthaleidae). The method consists of counting H. destructor numbers on membrane sachets in choice experiments, which was quicker and more efficient than weighing the mites. Five per cent aqueous glucose solution was used as a feeding stimulant, with Tween 80(R) at 5% concentration as a solubilising agent for water-insoluble compounds. (+)-Catechin, rutin, biochanin A, formononetin, chlorogenic acid, and gramine acted as feeding deterrents at 1% concentration. Quercetin (1%) and azadirachtin (100 ppm) had no significant effect. At lower concentrations (0.01%), compounds showed antifeeding (gramine), phagostimulating (quercetin and chlorogenic acid), or no effects on mite numbers. Dose-dependent deterrent effects of plant extracts were demonstrated with the bioassay, which could be used for other mites.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)593-600
JournalAnnals of Applied Biology
Volume127
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1995

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