Phylogenetic position of Aceria sp. (Trombidiformes: Eriophyidae) based on 28S rDNA partial sequences Limpopo Province, South Africa

Aceria (Trombidiformes: Eriophyidae) is the largest known genus among the Eriophyoidea and is associated with economically important crops as pest species are distributed worldwide. Therefore, correctly identifying them for their control and management is necessary. This study was conducted to isolate and identify Aceria sp. in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Therefore, this molecular study was conducted in 2023 at Limpopo University. To identify Aceria sp., 28S rDNA marker used. The DNA was extracted using the Chelex method. The Aceria was identified as Aceria sp. The Nblast analysis showed South African Aceria sp. has 92% similarity with a population from Russia (OP419491). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as Aceria sp. in the same clade with highly supported (96) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species is identified using 28S rDNA properly. However, other DNA markers are recommended to better understand Aceria sp. phylogeny.