The effect of methyl jasmonate and acibenzolar-S-methyl on the populations of the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi Koch) and Typhlodromus pyri Scheut. in apple orchards, as well as on the yield and growth of apple trees

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the possibility of applying methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) and acibenzolar-S-methyl (BTH) to reduce the population of mites in apple orchards. The experiment was performed on apple trees cv. “Golden Delicious” grown in an orchard according to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles. The study showed that of the two elicitors, JA-Me restricted the population of the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi Koch) more strongly than BTH. Neither of these compounds significantly affected the size of the population of Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten – a beneficial predatory mite feeding on spider mites in apple orchards. The study also showed no adverse effects of these compounds on the yield and growth of apple trees, nor on their reproduction as measured by seed production. Studies indicate that the use of methyl jasmonate against spider mites on apple trees can complement the use of conventional acaricides as well as the introduction of predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae in the protection of apple orchards.

Keywords:

• elicitors
• induced defence
• spider mites
• predatory
• Phytoseiidae