Spontaneous vegetation as a strategy for the conservation of predatory mites in apple orchards
摘要
This study aims to recognize the mitefauna present in the spontaneous vegetation associated with apple orchards, defining species with potential as a reservoir of predatory mites. The studies were carried out in the 2020–21, in three organic orchards (Eva, Fuji and Gala), in Antônio Prado, two conventional (Fuji and Gala), in Muitos Capões, state of Rio Grande do Sul and two of regenerative agriculture (Fuji and Gala), in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina. Monthly collections were made of the five spontaneous plants present in the apple orchards. A total of 67 species/morphospecies belonging to 26 botanical families associated with apple orchards were sampled, with plants from eight families hosting mites. The families that presented the greatest abundance were Asteraceae (33%), followed by Plantaginaceae (33%), Poaceae (19%) and the other families (15%). Plantago australis Lam. (Plantaginaceae) showed greater mite abundance (32.7%), with 41.7% being predators. The second plant was Vernonanthura tweediana (Baker) H. Rob. (Asteraceae) (16.9%), with 51.9% predators. The greatest richness was found associated with the spontaneous vegetation of organic orchards, with greater diversity presented by phytoseiid mites. Plantago australis and V. tweediana demonstrated potential for maintaining native natural enemies in apple orchards.