A cryptic diapause strategy in Halotydeus destructor (Tucker) (Trombidiformes: Penthaleidae) induced by multiple cues

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The polyphagous mite pest, Halotydeus destructor, typically has three generations during the cool moist season in Australia and produces over-summering diapause eggs in spring. Diapause eggs have a distinct thick and dark chorion and can survive heat, desiccation and the application of pesticides. Farmers suppress mites producing diapause eggs by a carefully timed spring pesticide application using Timerite®, which predicts the onset of diapause egg production based largely on day length. We investigated the association between diapause induction and other environmental factors that may complicate diapause predictions. RESULTS: Diapause in H. destructor induction was influenced b..