Mite community response to different apple orchards

Brazil is one of the world's largest apple (Malus domestica Borkh: Rosaceae) producers. Throughout the production cycle, the crop is susceptible to infestations of phytophagous mites. The aim of this work was to understand the response of the mite community to cultivars, plant stratum and the management of apple orchards. The study was performed in conventional orchards (Fuji and Gala) and organic (Gala, Fuji and Eva). Monthly collections were carried out over one year. Forty plants were sampled per orchard, being three leaves per plant (apical, median and basal). The material was sorted and identified in the laboratory. A total of 7.193 mites were collected, with organic orchards having a higher average abundance (10.1±3.37) than conventional ones (7.39±1.82). The relative abundance of Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa (Eriophyidae) and Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) was higher in the conventional system. Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae) had higher relative abundance in the conventional system, while the organic had a higher richness of predatory mites. The cultivars influenced the mite community, with Eva having the highest mean abundance (17.7±9.13), followed by Gala (8.96±2.52) and Fuji (5.12±1.25). Regarding the stratum, the apical region had the highest mite abundance (13.3±4.82), followed by the median (6.99±1.86) and basal (5.38±1.30). Organic orchards kept the mite community in balance, conserving richness and diversity, with low populations of phytophagous and a constant and diverse presence of natural enemies.