The impact of eriophyoids on crops: recent issues on Aculus schlechtendali, Calepitrimerus vitis and Aculops lycopersici.

The nature of the damage caused by eriophyoid mites and the assessment of yield losses still require detailed studies. Three eriophyoid mites frequently reported in recent research are here considered: the apple rust mite, Aculus schlechtendali and the grape rust mite, Calepitrimerus vitis colonise temperate fruits, while Aculops lycopersici affects vegetables. The damage assessment related to the apple rust mite has been evaluated on different apple varieties. Some factors affecting the spread and economic importance of the grape rust mite have been discussed. The difficulty in controlling the tomato russet mite by chemicals enhances the interest in biological control agents.