Astigmatid mite growth and fungi preference (Acari : Acaridida): Comparisons in laboratory experiments

The relationship between palatability and suitability of fungi for sustaining mite population growth was tested in the laboratory. The effect of mite fungal preference on spore dispersion was also studied. Eight species of microscopic fungi, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Eurotium amstelodami var. amstelodami, E. amstelodami var. montevidensis, Mycocladus corymbifer, and Penicillium aurantiogriseum differed in their attractiveness as food and in their suitability to sustain population growth of three astigmatid mites, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. The preference for a particular species of fungus and its suitability for sustaining population growth were not correlated. Observed differences among mite species in their population growth were more likely associated with their ability to digest fungi. Fungi were divided into four groups based on their palatability and suitability to sustain population growth: (i) preferred food and suitable for mite growth (e.g. A. alternata, C. cladosporioides); (ii) preferred, but unsuitable (e.g. E. amstelodami var. amstelodami); (iii) avoided, but suitable (e.g. A. versicolor, M. corymbifer and E. amstelodami var. montevidensis); and (iv) avoided and unsuitable (e.g. A. niger). With respect to fungal spore dispersion, mites had the least effect on avoided and unsuitable fungal species while preferred fungi were most influenced by mite grazing. (C) 2004 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.