Thesis
Mesostigmatid mites as predators of nematodes in sugarcane soils: occurrence, ecology, food preferences and biocontrol potential
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00717
Abstract
Soil fauna have an essential role in maintaining soil health. For example, the microarthropods have many roles within soil food webs and help to regulate decomposition, nutrient cycling and populations of other soil fauna. The soil mesofaunal community is, in terms of abundance and diversity, dominated by the springtails (Collembola) and mites (Acari) which are integral components of the soil food web.
Soil fauna can be negatively impacted by certain agricultural practices, however, soil compaction, which is a common and damaging long-term issue encountered in many agricultural systems. Although the impact of soil compaction on production systems has been well researched generally, there have been few studies on the effects of compaction on some soil fauna like microarthropods and subsequent downstream effects on other ecologically important species such as pests.
A key function of natural predators is population control and in the soil of agro ecosystems, that function can be focused on pests. Nematodes are significant pests of many agricultural soils and are also prey items for a range of predators, including predatory mites (Atkins et al. 2003). The general role of mites that feed primarily on nematodes (nematophagy) and their ability to actively control nematode abundance in agricultural settings is becoming more apparent. However, some of the more dominant predatory species found within the Australian agro-ecosystem are understudied and therefore, their viability as potential nematode suppressants is not understood.
Given the known beneficial effects of microarthropods on soil health, the prevalence of compaction and nematode pests in agricultural soils globally and the relationship between these factors; the aim of this thesis was to determine the impacts of some soil physical characteristics, food preferences and biocontrol potential of microarthropods in the soil of sugarcane agroecosystems.
Details
- Title
- Mesostigmatid mites as predators of nematodes in sugarcane soils: occurrence, ecology, food preferences and biocontrol potential
- Authors
- Mathew Manwaring - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Contributors
- Catherine Yule (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00717
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99689798802621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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