Preliminary sampling of dry bulb mite, Aceria tulipae Keifer in native garlic in Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines

Abstract

The objective of this study was to provide information on the population density and distribution of the dry bulb mite, Aceria tulipae on the leaves and bulbs of native garlic in Ilocos Region, Philippines. Preliminary data showed that the average number of A. tulipae is the same within the leaf and plant canopy. The total number of A. tulipae is highest at the middle section of the leaf. Aceria tulipae is also detected in cloves sampled from harvested bulbs. Results suggest that the leaves and bulbs of native garlic could be considered when designing a sampling method in the future.

Keywords:

• Clove infestation
• eriophyid
• population density
• sampling scheme
• within-plant distribution

Acknowledgements

Appreciation is also extended to the following: Mr Joenard Calamba for assistance during field collection of plant samples; Mr Ronnie Geli for construction of the hair brush; Mr Jeremy Naredo for taxonomic verification of field collected garlic mites samples; Mr Jose De Luna for statistical analysis of data and Ms Elvie Cuerdo for assistance in the purchase of some laboratory supplies. The stereo microscope and laboratory room provided by the National Crop Protection Centre during the conduct of the study are also greatly appreciated.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) research project entitled “Biological and molecular characterization of garlic viruses towards the development of disease management strategies” as well as by the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) Core Fund.