Dry bulb mite Aceria tulipae (Acariformes: Eriophyidae) on garden garlic (Allium sativum): new insights into distribution and control methods in Ukraine.

The dry bulb mite Aceria tulipae is one of the most economically important pests of Allium crops worldwide, damaging plants during vegetation and bulb storage. Despite its increasing phytosanitary importance, information on the distribution and management of A. tulipae in Ukraine remains limited. This study provides the first confirmed record of the species in the Kyiv region and new data on its biology. The study also provides one of the first evaluations of biorational pesticides against A. tulipae under Ukrainian field and storage conditions, addressing an important gap in environmentally sustainable mite management. Field surveys conducted during 2022-2024 revealed characteristic infestation symptoms on garlic (Allium sativum L.), including fine wrinkling of cloves and low to moderate leaf injury, with mean damage ratings of 2.2-3.1 on a 9-point scale. The regional spread of the pest is likely linked to the circulation of infested planting material among private and small-scale farms. The efficacy of biorational pesticides approved for organic farming was evaluated under field conditions during garlic growth and during post-harvest bulb storage. The highest and most stable biological efficacy against A. tulipae, expressed as mite population reduction relative to the untreated control, was achieved with Cezar and Actofit, reaching 87.7-93.7%, followed by Fitoverm M. The biopreparation "Komplekson-TM" demonstrated stable but slightly lower efficacy, whereas colloidal sulfur was significantly less effective. Although complete eradication was not achieved, biorational pesticides substantially reduced mite populations and represent promising components of integrated and environmentally sustainable garlic protection strategies against A. tulipae.