Molecular characterization of taxonomically related groups of Phytoseiidae, Ascidae sensu lato and Rhodacaridae, potentially useful in the biological control of pest organisms

Abstract

Mesostigmatid mites are used as biological control agents of pest mites in several countries, including Brazil. Most predators studied belong to Phytoseiidae and Ascidae sensu lato, but other families, as Rhodacaridae, also include potential control agents. Due to their potential, predatory mites have received special attention from taxonomists. Recently, Ascidae sensu lato was divided into three families: Ascidae sensu stricto, Blattisociidae and Melicharidae. This modification was done taking into account only morphological characteristics. Considerable efforts have been devoted to the molecular characterization of phytoseiid and to a lesser extent, Ascidae sensu lato, but nothing to this effect has been published for Rhodacaridae. Certain groups of Phytoseiidae, Ascidae sensu lato and Rhodacaridae are morphologically very similar, making it difficult to correctly classify the corresponding species in one of these families. This suggests the phylogenetic relationship of these. To assess this relationship, phylogenetic analysis based on molecular characteristics can be very useful. This project envisions the establishment of a group of experts in the use of morphological and molecular tools to study the taxonomic relationship of these mites. The group of taxonomists of ESALQ-USP is qualified to conduct the morphological identification of groups considered, and the candidate to conduct this study is qualified to conduct the molecular characterization and the phylogenetic analysis. The objective of this project is to conduct this joint evaluation, helping to understand the evolutionary and biogeographic histories of these predators. (AU)