Geometric Morphometric Analysis and Molecular Identification of Coconut Mite, <i>Aceria guerreronis</i> Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) Collected from Thailand

One of the most impactful pests in several coconut production regions across the world is the coconut mite, <i>Aceria guerreronis</i> Keifer. Scholars can obtain some necessary biogeographic information about coconut mites from studies that explore the geographic patterns of morphologica...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Insects
Main Authors: Suradet Buttachon, Siwaret Arikit, Wirawan Nuchchanart, Thanapol Puangmalee, Tidapa Duanchay, Nattaya Jampameung, Sunisa Sanguansub
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-11-01
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/13/11/1022
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Summary:One of the most impactful pests in several coconut production regions across the world is the coconut mite, <i>Aceria guerreronis</i> Keifer. Scholars can obtain some necessary biogeographic information about coconut mites from studies that explore the geographic patterns of morphological variations and molecular properties among coconut mite populations from various locales. To investigate the geographical origin, ancestral host associations, and colonization history of the mite in Thailand, we obtained DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial (16s and COI) and one nuclear region (ITS) from coconut mite samples originating from 25 populations; additionally, we analyzed the morphological variations in the prodorsal shield and the coxigenital and ventral regions of the mite idiosoma. From the results of experiments using both identification methods, we identified the mite as the coconut mite, <i>A. guerreronis</i> (Acari: Eriophyidae). According to the phylogenetic analysis results of the 25 mite samples, we classified the mites as being closely related to mites found by the authors of a previous report in India. We are the first to report the results of a geometric morphometric analysis and molecular identification of <i>A. guerreronis</i> in Thailand, and our findings support the idea that the mites’ origin and invasion history are not well documented, which makes it difficult to apply quarantine procedures and search for biological pest control agents.
ISSN:2075-4450