Gamasina (Mesostigmata) edaphic mites: diversity in the Caatinga biome and evaluation of their potential for use as biological control agents, with the preparation of a taxonomic database of the world Rhodacaroidea

Abstract

Ecological information about arthropods of the Caatinga biome is scant, mainly about the soil Gamasina. These are the second most abundant group of edaphic mesofauna and comprise some species used in biological control of pest organisms. This study has three specific objectives: a) to evaluate the Gamasina diversity in soils of different ecological setups from Caatinga; b) to evaluate the potential of collected Gamasina as biological control agents; c) to prepare a taxonomic database on the Rhodacaroidea, including the preparation of a catalog of Digamasellidae, a member of that Gamasina group. For the diversity study, soil samples will be collected in the first year at Paulo Afonso, Bahia and in the second year at Garanhuns, Pernanbuco. From each, samples will be collected every three months, from sites cultivated with forage palm (Opuntia sp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta), pasture (Brachiaria spp.) or from the natural vegetation. Gamasina will be identified to species, with subsequent ecological analyses (diversity, abundance, dominance). Colonies of the two dominant species will be established, for appraisal of their ability to prey, develop and reproduce on selected species representing important pest groups. Based on the world literature (already available at UNESP and ESALQ), and complementing previous works of the advisers of this project, a taxonomic database of Rhodacaroidea will be developed, to facilitate our own work and the work of world mite taxonomists. A catalog of the Digamasellidae will also be generated, containing a synthesis of the literature available information. (AU)