Introductory research on mites of the order Mesostigmata in a forest stand with an admixture of yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Tychowo Forest District

Abstract

Common yew (Taxus baccata L.) populations are rare in Poland and for this reason they have been covered by reserve protection. Large-scale project of yew’s protection and restoration is implemented by the State Forests in Poland. It can be expect, therefore, that its role will increase as an admixture species in tree stands. Several number of studies have been published on the impact of yew on different groups of animals. So far, little is known about mite’s fauna in stands with an admixture of yew. The aim of current study was to determine the influence of the presence in the common yew on mite composition of the order Mesostigmata. Using a soil sampler we collected 20 samples were taken three times (throughout the growing season) in two types of forest: forest reserve (with yews), and managed forest (without). In next step they were laid out in Tullgren apparatus to displace the mites by dynamic extraction method. On the study area 47 species of Mesostigmata mites belonging to 20 families were marked. In total, 782 specimens of mites were collected, ofwhich the most numerous was Veigaia nemorensis. Taking into account the obtained results, it can be concluded that: (1 ) The very low share of pioneer mites species and the first phases of secondary succession indicate stable soil conditions on both surfaces; (2) A relatively high proportion of species of the suborder Uropodina points to the good condition of the soil environment within the surveyed forests with the participation of both yew and without his participation; (3) No negative impact of the yew's share in stand on composition of Mesostigmata mites was observed.