Phyllocoptes arcani sp. nov., a potential new vector of rose rosette emavirus
Rose rosette emaravirus (RRV- EPPO A1 List) causes a damaging disease on roses (Rosa sp.) in the USA and Canada. It is known to be vectored by Phyllocoptes fructiphilus (Acari: Eriophyidae - EPPO A1 List). In a recent study, the rose-inhabiting Phyllocoptes spp. in the USA were surveyed. Morphological, molecular and phylogenetic analyses identified a new species, tentatively named Phyllocoptes arcani sp. nov. This species was found in several locations, in rose rosette symptomatic plants as the only inhabiting species. As RRV was recovered from individual specimens of P. arcani sp. nov. it is suspected that this species may act as a vector of RRV, although transmission studies on rose still need to be conducted.
Sources
Druciarek T, Lewandowski M, Tzanetakis I (2021) Molecular phylogeny of Phyllocoptes associated with roses discloses the presence of a new species. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 95, 105051.