Acarology - the study of mites and ticks is a subdiscipline of Zoology and is many times
considered in the field of Entomology (the study of insects). Mites and ticks are distributed
throughout the world and inhabit almost every ecosystem (both terrestrial and aquatic)
including grassland soils. More than 55 000 species of mites and ticks are already described.
Mites and ticks directly affects humans as pests of different crops fruit plants vegetable
crops and field crops as parasites of human beings veterinary animals poultry and pets
pests of stored grains and other products mushrooms and cheese and as parasites of honeybees.
Mite infestations are responsible for economic losses worth billions of dollars in terms of
reduced crop yields and lowered quality of produce. Many species of mites serve as vectors of
various plant diseases some species of ticks cause losses through blood feeding and by
transmitting many diseases among man and animals. House-dust mite allergies and tick bite
allergies are also common in many parts of the world.Present Book Fundamentals of Applied
Acarology is written keeping in view non-availability of any standard text dealing in
different aspects of acarology at one place. Separate chapters in this book are devoted to
Importance of Acarology Historical account acarine technology morphology and anatomy of
Acari Feeding Development and Reproduction. Molecular developments in relation to mites and
ticks are also discussed. Role of mites and ticks in Quarantines of plants and animals
forensic criminal investigations and importance of accidental acarophagy are discussed in
detail. Safe usage of pesticides based on their mode of action (IRAC's Groups) development of
acaricide resistance and measures to mitigate it are discussed. Mite pests of fruit trees
vegetable plants and floricultural plants field crops mite problems in greenhouses
polyhouses and mite problems encountered under organic cultivation ofplants and their
management through minimum usage of pesticides are emphasized. Role of different predaceous
mites in controlling plant pests like thrips aphids and scale insects is elaborately
discussed. Biological control of phytophagous mites is discussed in detail. Different animal
parasitic mites and ticks are discussed from veterinary and medical point of view.At the end of
each chapter many important references for further reading and Electronic References (ER) in
the form of youtube links and other weblinks are given to understand fully how these tiny
creatures look like behave feed and reproduce nature of damage they cause to plants and
animals and measures to mitigate them. Weblinks will stimulate interest in the readers for
more information about different mites and ticks. The knowledge contained in the book may prove
as best material for General and Applied Acarology course for graduate and post-graduate levels
teachers and researchers in entomology pest control advisors professional entomologists
pesticide industry managers policy planners and others having interest in mites and ticks.
