S. Mahunka szerk.: Folia Entomologica Hungarica 59. (Budapest, 1998)

ROVARTANI KÖZLEMÉNYEK LIX 1998 pp. 235-239 New data on the morphology of the apple rust mite (Acari: Eriophyidae ) G. Gólya and E. Kozma New data on the morphology of the apple rust mite (Acari: Eriophyidae ) - Description of the morphology of Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa, differences associated with protogyn and deutogyn forms in particular. INTRODUCTION Aculus schlechtendali is a potentially harmful arthropod pest of apples throughout the word. The aesthetic and market value of the crop decreases considerably due to its damage. It can be found everywhere its hostplants are grown (apple, pear). The morphology of this arthropod has been examined by several researchers (e.g.: Farkas 1966; Herbert 1974; Easterbrook 1979, 1984; Boczek and Kozlowski 1985; Gólya and Kozma 1997). However, many questions remained in regard to its morphology. This research was initiated in order to answer these questions, and to identify the appropriate morphological characters that separate one from the other. MATERIAL AND METHODS Several adult forms of Aculus schlechtendali were examined. The samples were collected in an apple orchard that belong to the "Galgamenti" Farmer's Co-operative, Tura, Hungary in 1996. The orchard was established in 1964 and covers an area 76 hectars. From spring to autumn, 50 cm sprouts were removed from the trees and examined for Aculus schlechtendali by stereomicroscope. Individuals were removed by washing and filtering, and by fine brush, then stored in AGA-solution. Lactic-acid was used for cleaning, Keifer-II solution for staining of cuticula, and Keifer-III solution for preserving specimens. The exact morphological parameters were determined by using pathological microscope.