Diversity of Mesostigmata mites in soils of vineyards cultivated under different production systems and in natural vegetation in Brazil and France

• Grant number: 24/21481-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Raphael de Campos Castilho
• Grantee: Lucas Lorena Godoy
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Worldwide, there is a growing interest in adopting agricultural practices that have less negative impact on the environment, aiming to preserve it for the benefit of current and future generations, in other words, pursuing sustainability. The São Francisco Valley, located between the states of Bahia and Pernambuco, is one of the most prominent regions for Brazilian agriculture, home to a significant share of the country's grape production. Globally, France ranks among the largest grape producers. Mites are tiny arthropods that inhabit various niches, particularly the soil. Many of them (especially those in the Mesostigmata order) are considered beneficial due to their role in controlling other small organisms, such as mites, small insects, and nematodes. Therefore, they should be preserved for their pest control function and their role as indicators of soil health. To harness these qualities, the first step is a thorough understanding of the Mesostigmata species present. The aim of this study is to build upon ongoing efforts in Brazil and France to precisely identify soil mite species in vineyards and nearby natural vegetation areas in the São Francisco Valley and the Occitanie region of France. The proposed strategy brings together experienced researchers from both countries, along with the involvement of a Brazilian student who has recently gained scientific research experience in France. The goal is to finalize the identification of over 30 species collected in Brazil and more than 40 species collected in France, all belonging to the Mesostigmata order. The research will be conducted at the Acarology Laboratory of ESALQ/USP, utilizing the available equipment.