@conference{
author = "Marini, Francesca and Weyl, Philip and Stutz, Sonja and Hinz, Hariet and Williams, Hester and Moffat, Chandra and de Lillo, Enrico and Petanović, Radmila and Vidović, Biljana and Rančić, Dragana and Cvrković, Tatjana and Sforza, Rene and Bon, Marie-Claude and Kashefi, Javid and Cristofaro, Massimo",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) (TH), a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China, is considered a
serious invasive species worldwide for which chemical and mechanical control methods have limited efficacy.
Aculus taihangensis (Hong & Xue) [with its junior synonym Aculus mosoniensis (Ripka)] is an eriophyid
species occurring on TOH, recorded in 13 European countries. Eriophyid mites are obligate plant feeders with
high host specificity, efficacy and long-lasting effects on their hosts, fast gaining relevance as biological control
agents of weeds. Therefore, A. taihangensis could offer a sustainable option for the control of TOH. Deutogyne
form has been recently recorded and its spatial distribution along the stem studied. Investigations on life history
traits of the protogyne form are underway in order to quantify developmental time, fecundity and longevity at
different constant temperatures. Histological observations and impact tests have shown that the feeding activity
of A. taihangensis damages TOH leaves, reducing the fitness of new sprouts and severely damaging seedlings.
Based on these observations, investigations on the use of A. taihangensis in an integrated management plan,
such as felling of large trees followed by the inoculation of the mites on re-sprouting plants, should be
undertaken. Preliminary host range tests, with 13 nontarget species either phylogenetically and ecologically
related to TOH or economically important in a European context, showed that A. taihangensis has a narrow
host range. The screening of North American test plant species is currently being conducted. Preliminary data is
encouraging and A. taihangensis may be a promising candidate for the biological control of TOH in Europe and
potentially in other regions with similar climate.",
publisher = "European Association of Acarologists",
journal = "IX Symposium of the European Association of Acarologists - Acarology 1.0 to 2.0: Progress in Changing Times, 12–15 July 2022, Bari, Italy",
title = "Integrative taxonomy and synonymization of Aculus mosoniensis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent for tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
pages = "16"
}
