Molecular markers for identification and study of diversity of B. phoenicis (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

• Grant number: 14/10373-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2014
• End date: December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Valdenice Moreira Novelli
• Grantee: Thaís Elise Sinico
• Host Institution: Instituto Agronômico (IAC). Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Brevipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) include vector mite species, which makes it extremely important, especially for its impact on agriculture. The Brevipalpus phoenicis, especially is one the most important species of this genus and it has great relevance in citrus São Paulo state, because is the vector for Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV - C), which causes citrus leprosis, one of the most impact of viral diseases, causing significant losses in citrus orchards. In addition, to economic losses emphasize the environmental implications due to constant use of acaricides for control of this vector. Many studies focus on the interactions between vector, host and virus but, however, there is little information about genetic basis of these interactions. Taxonomy studies conducted on the of B. phoenicis showed morphological divergence between populations of mites, generating a question on the existence of intraspecific morphological variations or the occurrence of cryptic species. Therefore, here aim to validate molecular markers, which are useful tools for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies for this specie. (AU)