Biology, ecology, and management of the bulb mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Acari : Acaridae)

Bulb mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Claparede) (Acari: Acaridae) have bee n identified as pests of many crops and ornamentals in storage, in the gree nhouse, and in the field. The most important hosts are species in the famil y Liliaceae (e.g. Allium spp.), but bulb mites will often attack other impo rtant crops such as potatoes (Solanum sp.) and carrots (Daucus carota). Des pite their economic importance and broad distribution, the systematics of t he genus remains in a state of confusion and is in need of a comprehensive revision. In addition, the field biology and ecology of these mites is not well understood, and methods for sampling, monitoring, and loss assessment are limited. Management of bulb mites is complicated by their short generat ion time, high reproductive potential, broad food niche, interactions with other pests and pathogens, and unique adaptations for dispersal. Historical ly, control of these acarine pests has relied on the use of synthetic mitic ides and insecticides, but this option is now limited due to documented res istance and withdrawal of registration of some products. Alternative contro l strategies, including cultural and biological control, have shown limited success, but need to be further developed and implemented.