TY  - JOUR
AU  - Marini, Francesca
AU  - Profeta, Erica
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - de Lillo, Enrico
AU  - Weyl, Philip
AU  - Hinz, Hariet L.
AU  - Moffat, Chandra E.
AU  - Bon, Marie-Claude
AU  - Cvrković, Tatjana
AU  - Kashefi, Javid
AU  - Sforza, René F. H.
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
PY  - 2021
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5906
AB  - Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China, considered a serious invasive species worldwide, with several socio-economic and ecological impacts attributed to it. Chemical and mechanical methods have limited efficacy in its management, and biological controls may offer a suitable and sustainable option. Aculus mosoniensis (Ripka) is an eriophyid mite that has been recorded to attack tree of heaven in 13 European countries. This study aims to explore the host range of this mite by exposing 13 plant species, selected either for their phylogenetic and ecological similarity to the target weed or their economic importance. Shortly after inoculation with the mite, we recorded a quick decrease in mite number on all nontarget species and no sign of mite reproduction. Whereas, after just one month, the population of mites on tree of heaven numbered in the thousands, irrespective of the starting population, and included both adults and juveniles. Significantly, we observed evidence of damage due to the mite only on target plants. Due to the specificity, strong impact on the target, and the ability to increase its population to high levels in a relatively short amount of time, we find A. mosoniensis to be a very promising candidate for the biological control of tree of heaven.
PB  - MDPI AG
T2  - Insects
T1  - Field Assessment of the Host Range of Aculus mosoniensis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
IS  - 7
SP  - 637
VL  - 12
DO  - 10.3390/insects12070637
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Marini, Francesca and Profeta, Erica and Vidović, Biljana and Petanović, Radmila and de Lillo, Enrico and Weyl, Philip and Hinz, Hariet L. and Moffat, Chandra E. and Bon, Marie-Claude and Cvrković, Tatjana and Kashefi, Javid and Sforza, René F. H. and Cristofaro, Massimo",
year = "2021",
abstract = "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China, considered a serious invasive species worldwide, with several socio-economic and ecological impacts attributed to it. Chemical and mechanical methods have limited efficacy in its management, and biological controls may offer a suitable and sustainable option. Aculus mosoniensis (Ripka) is an eriophyid mite that has been recorded to attack tree of heaven in 13 European countries. This study aims to explore the host range of this mite by exposing 13 plant species, selected either for their phylogenetic and ecological similarity to the target weed or their economic importance. Shortly after inoculation with the mite, we recorded a quick decrease in mite number on all nontarget species and no sign of mite reproduction. Whereas, after just one month, the population of mites on tree of heaven numbered in the thousands, irrespective of the starting population, and included both adults and juveniles. Significantly, we observed evidence of damage due to the mite only on target plants. Due to the specificity, strong impact on the target, and the ability to increase its population to high levels in a relatively short amount of time, we find A. mosoniensis to be a very promising candidate for the biological control of tree of heaven.",
publisher = "MDPI AG",
journal = "Insects",
title = "Field Assessment of the Host Range of Aculus mosoniensis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
number = "7",
pages = "637",
volume = "12",
doi = "10.3390/insects12070637"
}

Marini, F., Profeta, E., Vidović, B., Petanović, R., de Lillo, E., Weyl, P., Hinz, H. L., Moffat, C. E., Bon, M., Cvrković, T., Kashefi, J., Sforza, R. F. H.,& Cristofaro, M.. (2021). Field Assessment of the Host Range of Aculus mosoniensis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). in Insects
MDPI AG., 12(7), 637.
https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070637

Marini F, Profeta E, Vidović B, Petanović R, de Lillo E, Weyl P, Hinz HL, Moffat CE, Bon M, Cvrković T, Kashefi J, Sforza RFH, Cristofaro M. Field Assessment of the Host Range of Aculus mosoniensis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). in Insects. 2021;12(7):637.
doi:10.3390/insects12070637 .

Marini, Francesca, Profeta, Erica, Vidović, Biljana, Petanović, Radmila, de Lillo, Enrico, Weyl, Philip, Hinz, Hariet L., Moffat, Chandra E., Bon, Marie-Claude, Cvrković, Tatjana, Kashefi, Javid, Sforza, René F. H., Cristofaro, Massimo, "Field Assessment of the Host Range of Aculus mosoniensis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)" in Insects, 12, no. 7 (2021):637,
https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070637 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Marini, Francesca
AU  - Weyl, Philip
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - Littlefield, Jeffrey
AU  - Simoni, Sauro
AU  - de Lillo, Enric
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Smith, Lincoln
PY  - 2021
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5876
AB  - A classical biological control agent is an exotic host-specific natural enemy, which is intentionally introduced to obtain long-term control of an alien invasive species. Among the arthropods considered for this role, eriophyid mites are likely to possess the main attributes required: Host specificity, efficacy, and long-lasting effects. However, so far, only a few species have been approved for release. Due to their microscopic size and the general lack of knowledge regarding their biology and behavior, working with eriophyids is particularly challenging. Furthermore, mites disperse in wind, and little is known about biotic and abiotic constraints to their population growth. All these aspects pose challenges that, if not properly dealt with, can make it particularly difficult to evaluate eriophyids as prospective biological control agents and jeopardize the general success of control programs. We identified some of the critical aspects of working with eriophyids in classical biological control of weeds and focused on how they have been or may be addressed. In particular, we analyzed the importance of accurate mite identification, the difficulties faced in the evaluation of their host specificity, risk assessment of nontarget species, their impact on the weed, and the final steps of mite release and post-release monitoring.
PB  - MDPI AG
T2  - Insects
T1  - Eriophyid Mites in Classical Biological Control of Weeds: Progress and Challenges
IS  - 6
SP  - 513
VL  - 12
DO  - 10.3390/insects12060513
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Marini, Francesca and Weyl, Philip and Vidović, Biljana and Petanović, Radmila and Littlefield, Jeffrey and Simoni, Sauro and de Lillo, Enric and Cristofaro, Massimo and Smith, Lincoln",
year = "2021",
abstract = "A classical biological control agent is an exotic host-specific natural enemy, which is intentionally introduced to obtain long-term control of an alien invasive species. Among the arthropods considered for this role, eriophyid mites are likely to possess the main attributes required: Host specificity, efficacy, and long-lasting effects. However, so far, only a few species have been approved for release. Due to their microscopic size and the general lack of knowledge regarding their biology and behavior, working with eriophyids is particularly challenging. Furthermore, mites disperse in wind, and little is known about biotic and abiotic constraints to their population growth. All these aspects pose challenges that, if not properly dealt with, can make it particularly difficult to evaluate eriophyids as prospective biological control agents and jeopardize the general success of control programs. We identified some of the critical aspects of working with eriophyids in classical biological control of weeds and focused on how they have been or may be addressed. In particular, we analyzed the importance of accurate mite identification, the difficulties faced in the evaluation of their host specificity, risk assessment of nontarget species, their impact on the weed, and the final steps of mite release and post-release monitoring.",
publisher = "MDPI AG",
journal = "Insects",
title = "Eriophyid Mites in Classical Biological Control of Weeds: Progress and Challenges",
number = "6",
pages = "513",
volume = "12",
doi = "10.3390/insects12060513"
}

Marini, F., Weyl, P., Vidović, B., Petanović, R., Littlefield, J., Simoni, S., de Lillo, E., Cristofaro, M.,& Smith, L.. (2021). Eriophyid Mites in Classical Biological Control of Weeds: Progress and Challenges. in Insects
MDPI AG., 12(6), 513.
https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060513

Marini F, Weyl P, Vidović B, Petanović R, Littlefield J, Simoni S, de Lillo E, Cristofaro M, Smith L. Eriophyid Mites in Classical Biological Control of Weeds: Progress and Challenges. in Insects. 2021;12(6):513.
doi:10.3390/insects12060513 .

Marini, Francesca, Weyl, Philip, Vidović, Biljana, Petanović, Radmila, Littlefield, Jeffrey, Simoni, Sauro, de Lillo, Enric, Cristofaro, Massimo, Smith, Lincoln, "Eriophyid Mites in Classical Biological Control of Weeds: Progress and Challenges" in Insects, 12, no. 6 (2021):513,
https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060513 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Weyl, Philip
AU  - Asadi, Gorban Ali
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - Marini, Francesca
AU  - Schaffner, Urs
PY  - 2020
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5351
AB  - Russian Olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia was introduced into North America primarily as a wind break and shade tree. Today it is listed as a noxious weed in the U.S. and Canada. During field surveys in the native range, the eriophyid mite, Aceria angustifoliae was identified as a promising biological control agent. Results from no-choice and open-field tests suggest that this is a highly specialized herbivore and that the risk to non-target plants in North America is negligible. The impact study revealed significant reductions in fruit set, which will likely translate to a reduction in long-distance dispersal in the invaded range.
PB  - Taylor & Francis Ltd, Abingdon
T2  - Biocontrol Science and Technology
T1  - The host range and impact of Aceria angustifoliae (Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent against Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifoliae (Elaeagnaceae) in North America
EP  - 92
IS  - 1
SP  - 85
VL  - 30
DO  - 10.1080/09583157.2019.1675144
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Weyl, Philip and Asadi, Gorban Ali and Cristofaro, Massimo and Vidović, Biljana and Petanović, Radmila and Marini, Francesca and Schaffner, Urs",
year = "2020",
abstract = "Russian Olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia was introduced into North America primarily as a wind break and shade tree. Today it is listed as a noxious weed in the U.S. and Canada. During field surveys in the native range, the eriophyid mite, Aceria angustifoliae was identified as a promising biological control agent. Results from no-choice and open-field tests suggest that this is a highly specialized herbivore and that the risk to non-target plants in North America is negligible. The impact study revealed significant reductions in fruit set, which will likely translate to a reduction in long-distance dispersal in the invaded range.",
publisher = "Taylor & Francis Ltd, Abingdon",
journal = "Biocontrol Science and Technology",
title = "The host range and impact of Aceria angustifoliae (Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent against Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifoliae (Elaeagnaceae) in North America",
pages = "92-85",
number = "1",
volume = "30",
doi = "10.1080/09583157.2019.1675144"
}

Weyl, P., Asadi, G. A., Cristofaro, M., Vidović, B., Petanović, R., Marini, F.,& Schaffner, U.. (2020). The host range and impact of Aceria angustifoliae (Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent against Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifoliae (Elaeagnaceae) in North America. in Biocontrol Science and Technology
Taylor & Francis Ltd, Abingdon., 30(1), 85-92.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1675144

Weyl P, Asadi GA, Cristofaro M, Vidović B, Petanović R, Marini F, Schaffner U. The host range and impact of Aceria angustifoliae (Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent against Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifoliae (Elaeagnaceae) in North America. in Biocontrol Science and Technology. 2020;30(1):85-92.
doi:10.1080/09583157.2019.1675144 .

Weyl, Philip, Asadi, Gorban Ali, Cristofaro, Massimo, Vidović, Biljana, Petanović, Radmila, Marini, Francesca, Schaffner, Urs, "The host range and impact of Aceria angustifoliae (Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent against Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifoliae (Elaeagnaceae) in North America" in Biocontrol Science and Technology, 30, no. 1 (2020):85-92,
https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1675144 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Roselli, G.
AU  - Marini, F.
AU  - de Lillo, E.
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Auge, Matthew
AU  - Rector, B.G.
PY  - 2020
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5337
AB  - Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae, Poales: Poaceae) is an annual grass native to central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It is a noxious, invasive weed in much of western North America. As such, it is the target of a classical biological control programme established by USDA-ARS. During explorations carried out in 2014 a new species of eriophyid mite, Aculodes altamurgiensis de Lillo & Vidovic, 2018 (Acari: Eriophyidae), was discovered on medusahead in southern Italy; it was also collected from medusahead in Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey, and Iran in subsequent years. In the field A. altamurgensis has consistently been associated with the target weed while never having been detected from sympatric grass (Poales: Poaceae) species (e.g. Stipa austroitalica, Avena sativa, Triticum durum, T. aestivum), suggesting that A. altamurgensis is highly specific to medusahead. An open-field host-specificity test was carried out in Rome, Italy in 2016 in which an Italian population of A. altamurgensis was infested onto 11 different grass genotypes, including five crop species and five different populations of medusahead (two from Italy and three populations that are invasive in the USA). The results supported the previous observations that A. altamurgiensis is highly specific to medusahead and merits further evaluation as a candidate for biological control of this invasive grass. However, the Italian population of A. altamurgiensis showed variable colonisation rates on different medusahead populations, indicating that populations of A. altamurgiensis from other regions should also be tested to determine if they can colonise medusahead at more uniformly high rates, particularly on the targeted invasive populations in the USA.
PB  - Taylor & Francis Ltd, Abingdon
T2  - Biocontrol Science and Technology
T1  - Open field evaluation of Aculodes altamurgensis, a recently described eriophyid species associated with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)
EP  - 350
IS  - 4
SP  - 339
VL  - 30
DO  - 10.1080/09583157.2019.1711021
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Cristofaro, Massimo and Roselli, G. and Marini, F. and de Lillo, E. and Petanović, Radmila and Vidović, Biljana and Auge, Matthew and Rector, B.G.",
year = "2020",
abstract = "Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae, Poales: Poaceae) is an annual grass native to central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It is a noxious, invasive weed in much of western North America. As such, it is the target of a classical biological control programme established by USDA-ARS. During explorations carried out in 2014 a new species of eriophyid mite, Aculodes altamurgiensis de Lillo & Vidovic, 2018 (Acari: Eriophyidae), was discovered on medusahead in southern Italy; it was also collected from medusahead in Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey, and Iran in subsequent years. In the field A. altamurgensis has consistently been associated with the target weed while never having been detected from sympatric grass (Poales: Poaceae) species (e.g. Stipa austroitalica, Avena sativa, Triticum durum, T. aestivum), suggesting that A. altamurgensis is highly specific to medusahead. An open-field host-specificity test was carried out in Rome, Italy in 2016 in which an Italian population of A. altamurgensis was infested onto 11 different grass genotypes, including five crop species and five different populations of medusahead (two from Italy and three populations that are invasive in the USA). The results supported the previous observations that A. altamurgiensis is highly specific to medusahead and merits further evaluation as a candidate for biological control of this invasive grass. However, the Italian population of A. altamurgiensis showed variable colonisation rates on different medusahead populations, indicating that populations of A. altamurgiensis from other regions should also be tested to determine if they can colonise medusahead at more uniformly high rates, particularly on the targeted invasive populations in the USA.",
publisher = "Taylor & Francis Ltd, Abingdon",
journal = "Biocontrol Science and Technology",
title = "Open field evaluation of Aculodes altamurgensis, a recently described eriophyid species associated with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)",
pages = "350-339",
number = "4",
volume = "30",
doi = "10.1080/09583157.2019.1711021"
}

Cristofaro, M., Roselli, G., Marini, F., de Lillo, E., Petanović, R., Vidović, B., Auge, M.,& Rector, B.G.. (2020). Open field evaluation of Aculodes altamurgensis, a recently described eriophyid species associated with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae). in Biocontrol Science and Technology
Taylor & Francis Ltd, Abingdon., 30(4), 339-350.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1711021

Cristofaro M, Roselli G, Marini F, de Lillo E, Petanović R, Vidović B, Auge M, Rector B. Open field evaluation of Aculodes altamurgensis, a recently described eriophyid species associated with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae). in Biocontrol Science and Technology. 2020;30(4):339-350.
doi:10.1080/09583157.2019.1711021 .

Cristofaro, Massimo, Roselli, G., Marini, F., de Lillo, E., Petanović, Radmila, Vidović, Biljana, Auge, Matthew, Rector, B.G., "Open field evaluation of Aculodes altamurgensis, a recently described eriophyid species associated with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)" in Biocontrol Science and Technology, 30, no. 4 (2020):339-350,
https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1711021 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Smith, Lincoln
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Bon, Marie-Claude
AU  - De Biase, Alessio
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
PY  - 2018
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4789
AB  - Classical biological control of weeds depends on finding agents that are highly host-specific. This requires not only correctly understanding the identity of the target plant, sometimes to subspecific levels, in order to find suitable agents, but also identifying agents that are sufficiently specific to be safe and effective. Behavioral experiments and molecular genetic tools have revealed that some arthropod species previously thought to be polyphagous really consist of multiple cryptic species, host races or biotypes, some of which are more host-specific than others. Whereas true species are reproductively isolated, individuals from subspecific populations may potentially interbreed with those of other populations if they should encounter them. Furthermore, biotypes may consist of individuals sharing a genotype that is not fixed within a monophyletic group, and thus may not be evolutionarily stable. This raises the question of how such populations should be classified, and how to confirm the identity of live arthropods before releasing them as classical biological control agents. The existence of host races or cryptic species may greatly increase the number of prospective biological control agents available. However, it may also create new challenges for governmental regulation. These issues are discussed using pertinent examples, mainly from North America.
PB  - Springer, Dordrecht
T2  - Biocontrol
T1  - The importance of cryptic species and subspecific populations in classic biological control of weeds: a North American perspective
EP  - 425
IS  - 3
SP  - 417
VL  - 63
DO  - 10.1007/s10526-017-9859-z
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Smith, Lincoln and Cristofaro, Massimo and Bon, Marie-Claude and De Biase, Alessio and Petanović, Radmila and Vidović, Biljana",
year = "2018",
abstract = "Classical biological control of weeds depends on finding agents that are highly host-specific. This requires not only correctly understanding the identity of the target plant, sometimes to subspecific levels, in order to find suitable agents, but also identifying agents that are sufficiently specific to be safe and effective. Behavioral experiments and molecular genetic tools have revealed that some arthropod species previously thought to be polyphagous really consist of multiple cryptic species, host races or biotypes, some of which are more host-specific than others. Whereas true species are reproductively isolated, individuals from subspecific populations may potentially interbreed with those of other populations if they should encounter them. Furthermore, biotypes may consist of individuals sharing a genotype that is not fixed within a monophyletic group, and thus may not be evolutionarily stable. This raises the question of how such populations should be classified, and how to confirm the identity of live arthropods before releasing them as classical biological control agents. The existence of host races or cryptic species may greatly increase the number of prospective biological control agents available. However, it may also create new challenges for governmental regulation. These issues are discussed using pertinent examples, mainly from North America.",
publisher = "Springer, Dordrecht",
journal = "Biocontrol",
title = "The importance of cryptic species and subspecific populations in classic biological control of weeds: a North American perspective",
pages = "425-417",
number = "3",
volume = "63",
doi = "10.1007/s10526-017-9859-z"
}

Smith, L., Cristofaro, M., Bon, M., De Biase, A., Petanović, R.,& Vidović, B.. (2018). The importance of cryptic species and subspecific populations in classic biological control of weeds: a North American perspective. in Biocontrol
Springer, Dordrecht., 63(3), 417-425.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-017-9859-z

Smith L, Cristofaro M, Bon M, De Biase A, Petanović R, Vidović B. The importance of cryptic species and subspecific populations in classic biological control of weeds: a North American perspective. in Biocontrol. 2018;63(3):417-425.
doi:10.1007/s10526-017-9859-z .

Smith, Lincoln, Cristofaro, Massimo, Bon, Marie-Claude, De Biase, Alessio, Petanović, Radmila, Vidović, Biljana, "The importance of cryptic species and subspecific populations in classic biological control of weeds: a North American perspective" in Biocontrol, 63, no. 3 (2018):417-425,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-017-9859-z . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - De Lillo, Enrico
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Marini, Francesca
AU  - Auge, Matthew
AU  - Cvrković, Tatjana
AU  - Babić, Emilija
AU  - Mattia, Chiara
AU  - Lotfollahi, Parisa
AU  - Rector, Brian G.
PY  - 2018
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4781
AB  - A new species of plant mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) was discovered on medusahead (Taeniatherum caputmedusae), an annual grass that is native to central Asia and the Mediterranean Basin. It is invasive in western North America. Aculodes altamurgiensis sp. nov., is described here and differentiated from other Aculodes spp., on the basis of morphology. Its DNA fingerprinting was reported and compared with Aculodes mckenziei collected from Elymus repens and Bromus inermis. Pairwise comparison of MT-001 sequences between A. altamurgiensis sp. nov., and A. mckenziei revealed 20.2-21.5% genetic divergence between these congeneric species. First collected in Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia in Apulia, Italy in 2014,A. altamurgiensis sp. nov., has been subsequently collected from medusahead in Serbia, Bulgaria, Iran and Turkey. Based on these data and on preliminary observations on the effects of the mite on plant growth, A. altamurgiensis sp. nov., is currently being investigated as a candidate biological control agent of medusahead.
PB  - Systematic & Applied Acarology Soc London, Natural History Museum, London
T2  - Systematic and Applied Acarology
T1  - A new Aculodes species (Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) associated with medusahead, Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski (Poaceae)
EP  - 1226
IS  - 7
SP  - 1217
VL  - 23
DO  - 10.11158/saa.23.7.1
ER  - 

@article{
author = "De Lillo, Enrico and Vidović, Biljana and Petanović, Radmila and Cristofaro, Massimo and Marini, Francesca and Auge, Matthew and Cvrković, Tatjana and Babić, Emilija and Mattia, Chiara and Lotfollahi, Parisa and Rector, Brian G.",
year = "2018",
abstract = "A new species of plant mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) was discovered on medusahead (Taeniatherum caputmedusae), an annual grass that is native to central Asia and the Mediterranean Basin. It is invasive in western North America. Aculodes altamurgiensis sp. nov., is described here and differentiated from other Aculodes spp., on the basis of morphology. Its DNA fingerprinting was reported and compared with Aculodes mckenziei collected from Elymus repens and Bromus inermis. Pairwise comparison of MT-001 sequences between A. altamurgiensis sp. nov., and A. mckenziei revealed 20.2-21.5% genetic divergence between these congeneric species. First collected in Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia in Apulia, Italy in 2014,A. altamurgiensis sp. nov., has been subsequently collected from medusahead in Serbia, Bulgaria, Iran and Turkey. Based on these data and on preliminary observations on the effects of the mite on plant growth, A. altamurgiensis sp. nov., is currently being investigated as a candidate biological control agent of medusahead.",
publisher = "Systematic & Applied Acarology Soc London, Natural History Museum, London",
journal = "Systematic and Applied Acarology",
title = "A new Aculodes species (Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) associated with medusahead, Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski (Poaceae)",
pages = "1226-1217",
number = "7",
volume = "23",
doi = "10.11158/saa.23.7.1"
}

De Lillo, E., Vidović, B., Petanović, R., Cristofaro, M., Marini, F., Auge, M., Cvrković, T., Babić, E., Mattia, C., Lotfollahi, P.,& Rector, B. G.. (2018). A new Aculodes species (Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) associated with medusahead, Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski (Poaceae). in Systematic and Applied Acarology
Systematic & Applied Acarology Soc London, Natural History Museum, London., 23(7), 1217-1226.
https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.23.7.1

De Lillo E, Vidović B, Petanović R, Cristofaro M, Marini F, Auge M, Cvrković T, Babić E, Mattia C, Lotfollahi P, Rector BG. A new Aculodes species (Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) associated with medusahead, Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski (Poaceae). in Systematic and Applied Acarology. 2018;23(7):1217-1226.
doi:10.11158/saa.23.7.1 .

De Lillo, Enrico, Vidović, Biljana, Petanović, Radmila, Cristofaro, Massimo, Marini, Francesca, Auge, Matthew, Cvrković, Tatjana, Babić, Emilija, Mattia, Chiara, Lotfollahi, Parisa, Rector, Brian G., "A new Aculodes species (Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) associated with medusahead, Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski (Poaceae)" in Systematic and Applied Acarology, 23, no. 7 (2018):1217-1226,
https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.23.7.1 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Karnali, Hashem
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Weyl, Philip
AU  - Ghorbanali, Asadi
AU  - Cvrković, Tatjana
AU  - Auge, Matthew
AU  - Marini, Francesca
PY  - 2018
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4758
AB  - A new species of eriophyoid mite Aceria alhagi n. sp. inhabiting the weed Alhagi maurorum Medik., is described from the type locality in Iran, but it was also collected from Uzbekistan, Turkey and Armenia. This mite causes changes of the leaves and inflorescence. Infested plants develop cauliflower- like galls on the inflorescence and leaves deforming the reproductive structures and inhibiting seed production. The potential reduction in seed set suggests that this mite could constitute a potential biological control agent against this noxious weed. To investigate intraspecific variability between A. alhagi n. sp. populations from Iran, Turkey and Armenia, we analysed molecular sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI). These results indicated that there are no significant intraspecific divergences among populations of A. alhagi n. sp. from the five different localities in three West Asia countries. This finding can be used in the future research of certain mite populations as biological control agent.
PB  - Acarologia-Universite Paul Valery, Montpellier
T2  - Acarologia
T1  - A new Aceria species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from West Asia, a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Medik. (Leguminosae)
EP  - 312
IS  - 2
SP  - 302
VL  - 58
DO  - 10.24349/acarologia/20184243
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Vidović, Biljana and Karnali, Hashem and Petanović, Radmila and Cristofaro, Massimo and Weyl, Philip and Ghorbanali, Asadi and Cvrković, Tatjana and Auge, Matthew and Marini, Francesca",
year = "2018",
abstract = "A new species of eriophyoid mite Aceria alhagi n. sp. inhabiting the weed Alhagi maurorum Medik., is described from the type locality in Iran, but it was also collected from Uzbekistan, Turkey and Armenia. This mite causes changes of the leaves and inflorescence. Infested plants develop cauliflower- like galls on the inflorescence and leaves deforming the reproductive structures and inhibiting seed production. The potential reduction in seed set suggests that this mite could constitute a potential biological control agent against this noxious weed. To investigate intraspecific variability between A. alhagi n. sp. populations from Iran, Turkey and Armenia, we analysed molecular sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI). These results indicated that there are no significant intraspecific divergences among populations of A. alhagi n. sp. from the five different localities in three West Asia countries. This finding can be used in the future research of certain mite populations as biological control agent.",
publisher = "Acarologia-Universite Paul Valery, Montpellier",
journal = "Acarologia",
title = "A new Aceria species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from West Asia, a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Medik. (Leguminosae)",
pages = "312-302",
number = "2",
volume = "58",
doi = "10.24349/acarologia/20184243"
}

Vidović, B., Karnali, H., Petanović, R., Cristofaro, M., Weyl, P., Ghorbanali, A., Cvrković, T., Auge, M.,& Marini, F.. (2018). A new Aceria species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from West Asia, a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Medik. (Leguminosae). in Acarologia
Acarologia-Universite Paul Valery, Montpellier., 58(2), 302-312.
https://doi.org/10.24349/acarologia/20184243

Vidović B, Karnali H, Petanović R, Cristofaro M, Weyl P, Ghorbanali A, Cvrković T, Auge M, Marini F. A new Aceria species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from West Asia, a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Medik. (Leguminosae). in Acarologia. 2018;58(2):302-312.
doi:10.24349/acarologia/20184243 .

Vidović, Biljana, Karnali, Hashem, Petanović, Radmila, Cristofaro, Massimo, Weyl, Philip, Ghorbanali, Asadi, Cvrković, Tatjana, Auge, Matthew, Marini, Francesca, "A new Aceria species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from West Asia, a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Medik. (Leguminosae)" in Acarologia, 58, no. 2 (2018):302-312,
https://doi.org/10.24349/acarologia/20184243 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Cvrković, Tatjana
AU  - Rančić, Dragana
AU  - Marinković, Slavica
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Schaffner, Urs
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
PY  - 2016
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4176
AB  - Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asterales: Asteraceae), is an annual harmful weed of North American origin, now widely distributed in Central and Southern Europe, Asia and Australia. It is an agricultural weed, but it represents a serious risk for human health because its pollen can cause severe allergies. Recently, in the framework of the EU-COST Action 'SMARTER', an European program was started with the aim to develop sustainable management strategies for ragweed in Europe, with a special emphasis in the search and selection of biological control agents. Among them, the record of a new eriophyid mite Aceria species in Serbia has been considered as potential important biological control candidate. This paper describes the species following both morphological and bio-molecular approaches, and is giving some preliminary data on the geographical distribution and on the biology of the eriophyid mite on its host plant.
PB  - Systematic & Applied Acarology Soc London, Natural History Museum, London
T2  - Systematic and Applied Acarology
T1  - Eriophyid mite Aceria artemisiifoliae sp nov (Acari: Eriophyoidea) potential biological control agent of invasive common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) in Serbia
EP  - 935
IS  - 7
SP  - 919
VL  - 21
DO  - 10.11158/saa.21.7.6
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Vidović, Biljana and Cvrković, Tatjana and Rančić, Dragana and Marinković, Slavica and Cristofaro, Massimo and Schaffner, Urs and Petanović, Radmila",
year = "2016",
abstract = "Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asterales: Asteraceae), is an annual harmful weed of North American origin, now widely distributed in Central and Southern Europe, Asia and Australia. It is an agricultural weed, but it represents a serious risk for human health because its pollen can cause severe allergies. Recently, in the framework of the EU-COST Action 'SMARTER', an European program was started with the aim to develop sustainable management strategies for ragweed in Europe, with a special emphasis in the search and selection of biological control agents. Among them, the record of a new eriophyid mite Aceria species in Serbia has been considered as potential important biological control candidate. This paper describes the species following both morphological and bio-molecular approaches, and is giving some preliminary data on the geographical distribution and on the biology of the eriophyid mite on its host plant.",
publisher = "Systematic & Applied Acarology Soc London, Natural History Museum, London",
journal = "Systematic and Applied Acarology",
title = "Eriophyid mite Aceria artemisiifoliae sp nov (Acari: Eriophyoidea) potential biological control agent of invasive common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) in Serbia",
pages = "935-919",
number = "7",
volume = "21",
doi = "10.11158/saa.21.7.6"
}

Vidović, B., Cvrković, T., Rančić, D., Marinković, S., Cristofaro, M., Schaffner, U.,& Petanović, R.. (2016). Eriophyid mite Aceria artemisiifoliae sp nov (Acari: Eriophyoidea) potential biological control agent of invasive common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) in Serbia. in Systematic and Applied Acarology
Systematic & Applied Acarology Soc London, Natural History Museum, London., 21(7), 919-935.
https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.21.7.6

Vidović B, Cvrković T, Rančić D, Marinković S, Cristofaro M, Schaffner U, Petanović R. Eriophyid mite Aceria artemisiifoliae sp nov (Acari: Eriophyoidea) potential biological control agent of invasive common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) in Serbia. in Systematic and Applied Acarology. 2016;21(7):919-935.
doi:10.11158/saa.21.7.6 .

Vidović, Biljana, Cvrković, Tatjana, Rančić, Dragana, Marinković, Slavica, Cristofaro, Massimo, Schaffner, Urs, Petanović, Radmila, "Eriophyid mite Aceria artemisiifoliae sp nov (Acari: Eriophyoidea) potential biological control agent of invasive common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) in Serbia" in Systematic and Applied Acarology, 21, no. 7 (2016):919-935,
https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.21.7.6 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Cvrković, Tatjana
AU  - Marić, Ivana
AU  - Chetverikov, Philipp E.
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Rector, Brian G.
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
PY  - 2015
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3678
AB  - A new species of eriophyoid mite, Metaculus diplotaxi n. sp. inhabiting Diplotaxis tenuifolia ( L.) DC., is described from Serbia. To investigate interspecific variability between Metaculus spp. on three different Brassicaceae host plants ( viz. D. tenuifolia, Lepidium latifolium ( L.), Isatis tinctoria ( L.)), we analyzed phenotypic variability of morphological traits and molecular sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I ( MT- CO1). Discriminant analysis identified seven traits that significantly differentiate three Metaculus spp: M. lepidifolii, M. rapistri, and M. diplotaxi n. sp. Analysis of MT- CO1 sequences supported the results obtained from the analysis of morphometric features.
PB  - Oxford Univ Press Inc, Cary
T2  - Annals of the Entomological Society of America
T1  - A New Metaculus Species (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae) From Serbia: A Combined Description Using Morphology and DNA Barcode Data
EP  - 931
IS  - 5
SP  - 922
VL  - 108
DO  - 10.1093/aesa/sav076
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Vidović, Biljana and Cvrković, Tatjana and Marić, Ivana and Chetverikov, Philipp E. and Cristofaro, Massimo and Rector, Brian G. and Petanović, Radmila",
year = "2015",
abstract = "A new species of eriophyoid mite, Metaculus diplotaxi n. sp. inhabiting Diplotaxis tenuifolia ( L.) DC., is described from Serbia. To investigate interspecific variability between Metaculus spp. on three different Brassicaceae host plants ( viz. D. tenuifolia, Lepidium latifolium ( L.), Isatis tinctoria ( L.)), we analyzed phenotypic variability of morphological traits and molecular sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I ( MT- CO1). Discriminant analysis identified seven traits that significantly differentiate three Metaculus spp: M. lepidifolii, M. rapistri, and M. diplotaxi n. sp. Analysis of MT- CO1 sequences supported the results obtained from the analysis of morphometric features.",
publisher = "Oxford Univ Press Inc, Cary",
journal = "Annals of the Entomological Society of America",
title = "A New Metaculus Species (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae) From Serbia: A Combined Description Using Morphology and DNA Barcode Data",
pages = "931-922",
number = "5",
volume = "108",
doi = "10.1093/aesa/sav076"
}

Vidović, B., Cvrković, T., Marić, I., Chetverikov, P. E., Cristofaro, M., Rector, B. G.,& Petanović, R.. (2015). A New Metaculus Species (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae) From Serbia: A Combined Description Using Morphology and DNA Barcode Data. in Annals of the Entomological Society of America
Oxford Univ Press Inc, Cary., 108(5), 922-931.
https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/sav076

Vidović B, Cvrković T, Marić I, Chetverikov PE, Cristofaro M, Rector BG, Petanović R. A New Metaculus Species (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae) From Serbia: A Combined Description Using Morphology and DNA Barcode Data. in Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 2015;108(5):922-931.
doi:10.1093/aesa/sav076 .

Vidović, Biljana, Cvrković, Tatjana, Marić, Ivana, Chetverikov, Philipp E., Cristofaro, Massimo, Rector, Brian G., Petanović, Radmila, "A New Metaculus Species (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae) From Serbia: A Combined Description Using Morphology and DNA Barcode Data" in Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 108, no. 5 (2015):922-931,
https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/sav076 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Asadi, Gorban Ali
AU  - Ghorbani, Reza
AU  - Cristofaro, Massimo
AU  - Chetverikov, Philipp E.
AU  - Petanović, Radmila
AU  - Vidović, Biljana
AU  - Schaffner, Urs
PY  - 2014
UR  - http://aspace.agrif.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3523
AB  - Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo is a clonal Asteraceae plant native to Asia and highly invasive in North America. We conducted open-field experiments in Iran to assess the impact of the biological control candidate, Aceria acroptiloni Shevchenko & Kovalev (Acari, Eriophyidae), on the target weed. Using three different experimental approaches, we found that mite attack reduced the biomass of R. repens shoots by 40-75 %. Except for the initial year of artificial infestation by A. acroptiloni of R. repens shoots, the number of seed heads was reduced by 60-80 % and the number of seeds by 95-98 %. Morphological investigations of the mite complex attacking R. repens at the experimental field site revealed that A. acroptiloni was by far the dominant mite species. We conclude that the mite A. acroptiloni is a promising biological control candidate inflicting significant impact on the above-ground biomass and reproductive output of the invasive plant R. repens.
PB  - Springer, Dordrecht
T2  - Biocontrol
T1  - The impact of the flower mite Aceria acroptiloni on the invasive plant Russian knapweed, Rhaponticum repens, in its native range
EP  - 375
IS  - 3
SP  - 367
VL  - 59
DO  - 10.1007/s10526-014-9573-z
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Asadi, Gorban Ali and Ghorbani, Reza and Cristofaro, Massimo and Chetverikov, Philipp E. and Petanović, Radmila and Vidović, Biljana and Schaffner, Urs",
year = "2014",
abstract = "Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo is a clonal Asteraceae plant native to Asia and highly invasive in North America. We conducted open-field experiments in Iran to assess the impact of the biological control candidate, Aceria acroptiloni Shevchenko & Kovalev (Acari, Eriophyidae), on the target weed. Using three different experimental approaches, we found that mite attack reduced the biomass of R. repens shoots by 40-75 %. Except for the initial year of artificial infestation by A. acroptiloni of R. repens shoots, the number of seed heads was reduced by 60-80 % and the number of seeds by 95-98 %. Morphological investigations of the mite complex attacking R. repens at the experimental field site revealed that A. acroptiloni was by far the dominant mite species. We conclude that the mite A. acroptiloni is a promising biological control candidate inflicting significant impact on the above-ground biomass and reproductive output of the invasive plant R. repens.",
publisher = "Springer, Dordrecht",
journal = "Biocontrol",
title = "The impact of the flower mite Aceria acroptiloni on the invasive plant Russian knapweed, Rhaponticum repens, in its native range",
pages = "375-367",
number = "3",
volume = "59",
doi = "10.1007/s10526-014-9573-z"
}

Asadi, G. A., Ghorbani, R., Cristofaro, M., Chetverikov, P. E., Petanović, R., Vidović, B.,& Schaffner, U.. (2014). The impact of the flower mite Aceria acroptiloni on the invasive plant Russian knapweed, Rhaponticum repens, in its native range. in Biocontrol
Springer, Dordrecht., 59(3), 367-375.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-014-9573-z

Asadi GA, Ghorbani R, Cristofaro M, Chetverikov PE, Petanović R, Vidović B, Schaffner U. The impact of the flower mite Aceria acroptiloni on the invasive plant Russian knapweed, Rhaponticum repens, in its native range. in Biocontrol. 2014;59(3):367-375.
doi:10.1007/s10526-014-9573-z .

Asadi, Gorban Ali, Ghorbani, Reza, Cristofaro, Massimo, Chetverikov, Philipp E., Petanović, Radmila, Vidović, Biljana, Schaffner, Urs, "The impact of the flower mite Aceria acroptiloni on the invasive plant Russian knapweed, Rhaponticum repens, in its native range" in Biocontrol, 59, no. 3 (2014):367-375,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-014-9573-z . .