Temporal variability and progression of Neozygites sp. (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) in populations of Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize epizootics of Neozygites sp. by investigating the relationship between the pathogen, the host, Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) (Cassava green mite = CGM), and climatic factors. Epizootics were studied from March through October 1994 in nine cassava fields at Piritiba, state of Bahia, Brazil. In all fields the pathogen appeared when CGM density was moderate to high. Infected CGM were first detected in northwestern fields, with an apparent progression to the southeast. The onset of the epizootic in the earliest field was observed 23 days prior to the onset of the epizootic in the latest field. During the epizootic phase of most fields (late May to late June), daily mean RH ranged from 70% to 79% and daily mean temperature ranged between 21.1°C and 24.3°C. Disease progression within CGM populations was documented in two of the nine fields. In the field where the slower spread of the pathogen was observed, the proportion of area with infected CGM increased from 14% to 100% in 14 days. Neozygites sp. was detected in higher proportions in plots with the highest levels of CGM and in greater abundance on mites collected from apical leaves as compared with median leaves. Resting spores of Neozygites sp. were recovered during June and July, but during the remaining period, infected mites contained only hyphal bodies.