ISHS Acta Horticulturae 422: International Conference on Integrated Fruit Production
EFFECT OF THE EUROPEAN RED MITE (PANONYCHUS ULMI KOCH) ON THE GOLDEN SMOOTHEE APPLE CULTIVAR IN GIRONA AREA, CATALONIA, SPAIN |
| Authors: | M. Vilajeliu, P. Lloret, Ll. Batllori, C. Buil, F. Muñoz |
| Abstract:
Effect of European Red Mite (Panonychus ulmi Koch) on Golden Smoothee cultivar on MM 106 rootstock was measured over a 3 year period. Mite population level ranged from 0 to 500 cumulative mite-days (CMDs) per leaf and six target injury thresholds (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 CMDs) of five replicates each, were established. Mites were sampled each 8-15 days from June to August depending on the densities of P. ulmi. CMDs had a significant negative influence on the lost of the leaf colour and chlorophyll content, but no effects were found on the crop load, apple size, fruit firmness and sugar level at harvest, and total number of fruit set at the following spring. According with the results of this trial, in the natural conditions of Girona fruit area, mite feeding activity causes leaf discolouring but no evident negative effects on the production. Other factors like soil properties, water and nutrient resources, sensitiveness of the cultivar and vigour of the trees, among others, should have necessary, stronger influence on the fruit and apple trees features than mite attacks. | |
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