Preliminary survey and population dynamics of some eriophid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) associated with olives in Albania

Abstract

ABSTRACT In Albania, olive trees are attacked by various pests, included mites, which are mostly represented by eriophid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea). Among the eriophyoids associated with olive trees, Aceria oleae (Nalepa), Ditrymacus athiasella Keifer and Tegolophus hassani (Keifer) are the most common species in the Vlora region and A. oleae was always predominant. These three species show a preference for the local variety ‘Kalinjot’ and caused the same type of injury on leaves, flowers and fruits. The highest population density occurred in early April on leaves and later the mites moved to the flowers. The setting of the fruits was influenced by their attack.