Diversity of mites in the farm “Las Piedras”, Guanabacoa, Havana, Cuba

Abstract

In order to determine the diversity of mites in the farm “Las Piedras”, Guanabacoa municipality, Havana Province, Cuba, periodic sampling was carried out between June 2018 and April 2019. In each sampling, 100 simple leaves per plant species were selected, which were examined under a stereoscopic microscope (Carl Zeiss^TM, Stemi^TM DV4 model), and the adult mites were clarified and mounted on slides. The corresponding taxonomic keys were used for their identification. The relative abundance and frequency of each species were calculated, the species accumulation curve was made by the Clench equation and the ecological indices by types of ecosystem were calculated. As a result of the inventory, nine families of mites were detected; two of them were phytophagous mites (Tarsonemidae and Tetranychidae), four of predatory mites (Bdellidae, Cunaxidae, Stigmaeidae and Phytoseiidae) and three of mites with varied feeding habits (Acaridae, Tydeidae and Oppidae). The parameters and values estimated by the Clench species accumulation model indicated that the inventory results were reliable. A differential behavior was observed in the relative abundance and frequency of the phytoseid mite species as a function of the management of the ecosystems. The species I. quadripilis were very abundant and very frequent in the undisturbed ecosystem, while E. hibisci and Agistemus sp., were very abundant and frequent in the little disturbed ecosystem. The little disturbed ecosystem, represented by the fruit species, was the most diverse. Among the detected species, I. quadripilis and E. hisbisci stood out for presenting the greatest possibilities of use as biological control agents of harmful organisms in the farm "Las Piedras". This knowledge will make possible to establish the most favorable agroecosystem management practices for the conservation of these important natural enemies.