Acarology - the study of mites and ticks, is a subdiscipline of Zoology, and is often considered part of the field of Entomology (the study of insects). Mites and ticks are distributed throughout the world and inhabit almost every ecosystem (both terrestrial and aquatic), including grassland soils. Though more than 55,000 species of mites and ticks have already been described, the number of undescribed species may reach upto 20-fold, as mite fauna in most regions e="" world="" are="" still="" poorly="" explored.
Mites and ticks directly affect humans as pests of different crops, fruit plants, vegetable crops and field crops; as parasites of human beings, veterinary animals, poultry and pets; pests of stored grains and other products; mushrooms and cheese; and as parasites of honeybees. Mite infestations are responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses due to reduced crop yields and lower-quality produce. Many species of mites serve as vectors of various plant diseases; some species of ticks cause losses through blood feeding and by transmitting Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain fever, Tularaemia, and many other diseases among man and animals. House-dust mite allergies and tick bite allergies are also common in many parts of the world.
This book is the first of its kind, addressing a range of aspects of acarology in a single source. Its respective chapters address topics including the importance of acarology; a historical account; acarine technology; the morphology and anatomy of acari; feeding, development and reproduction; and diapause and water balance. Molecular developments in relation to mites and ticks are also discussed.
The role of mites and ticks in quarantines of plants and animals, in forensic/criminal investigations, and the importance of accidental acarophagy are discussed in detail in separate chapters. The safe use of pesticides based on their mode of action (IRAC’s Groups), development of acaricide resistance and measures to mitigate it are also addressed.
Further, the book examines mite pests of fruit trees, vegetable plants, and floricultural plants; field crops; mite problems in greenhouses/polyhouses; mite problems encountered under organic cultivation of plants; and their management through minimum use of pesticides. It explores in detail the role of different predaceous mites in controlling plant pests like thrips, aphids and scale insects, as well as the biological control of phytophagous mites.
Different animal parasitic mites and ticks are discussed from veterinary and medical perspectives. Many YouTube and other weblinks complement the content discussed, emphasizing the importance of reliable information on these species and measures to combat them.
At the end of each chapter, many important references for further reading, along with Electronic References (ER) in the form of YouTube links and other weblinks, are provided to help readers fully understand what these tiny creatures look like; how they behave, feed and reproduce; the nature of the damage they cause to plants and animals; and measures to mitigate them. The weblinks will also encourage readers to seek further information on specific mites and ticks.
The content presented here can serve as a textbook for a “General and Applied Acarology” course for graduate and post-graduate levels, and offers a valuable resource for teachers and researchers in entomology, pest control advisors, professional entomologists, pesticide industry managers, policy planners, and others with an interest in mites and ticks.
