Survey on Mites Associated with Major Insect Pests Infesting Stored Grains in Middle Delta

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

1 Stored Grain Insects Department, Plant Protection Research Institute. ARC.

2 Acarology Department, Plant Protection Research Institute. ARC

Abstract

The present study was directed towards the habitat of various mite species as predators, fungivores or as parasites
associated with insects inhabiting grains and stored products. Samples were collected monthly from maize, wheat flour,
broad bean, wheat and rough rice in four governorates, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahleya, Gharbeya and Menoufeya during
the period between March 2003 and February 2004. The results revealed that: 1) The mite survey revealed the
occurrence of 13 predatory species belonging to one family of the suborder Gamasida, and 6 families of the suborder
Actinedida. Also 7 species belong to 4 families of the suborder Acaridida, were recorded as scavengers or fungivores.
2) The most abundant predaceous mites were: Blattisocius keegani Fox followed by Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans,
then Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese). 3) The most abundant fungivore mites were: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Shranck),
Rhizoglyphus robini Claparède, and Acarus siro Linnaeus. 4) The most infested stored grains with mites was maize
followed by wheat, rough rice, broad bean seeds then wheat flour. 5) The major insect pests of stored grains and seeds
and associated mites were listed herein.

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