Anatomical injuries caused by Leipotrix dipsacivagus Petanovic & Rector on cut-leaf teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus L. (Dipsacaceae)

Abstract

The present study highlights some conspicuous structural malformations of the native Eurasian plant Dipsacus laciniatus L. (Dipsacaceae) caused by infestation with a newly determined eriophyid mite, Leipothrix dip­sacivagus (Petanovic & Rector, 2007). The most striking structural changes, induced by mite feeding were evident in the stunted appearance of infested plants and conspicuous injuries to their leaf tissues. The significant damage it causes to D. laciniatus recommends the narrow host-range mite L. dipsacivagus as a potential agent for biological control of this plant, which is widespread everywhere in the lowlands of Europe and is listed as an invasive and noxious weed in the USA.

Keywords

• Dipsacus laciniatus
• Leipothrix dipsacivagus
• anatomical features
• tissue injuries
• eriophyid mites