Abstract

Eriophyid mites of the genus Cecidophyopsis colonize cultivated currant fruits (Ribes spp.). At present, the most damaging is the black currant gall mite (C. ribis) on black currant (R. nigrum). The importance, biology and taxonomy of black currant gall mite and the other Cecidophyopsis mites that colonize currants are discussed in relation to their hosts. Until recently, taxonomic keys were confusing and in some cases inaccurate. The revision of the keys for the main mite species and the development of a molecular approach to assist with their identification are discussed. The latter has provided a rapid and cost effective method to identify mites associated with Ribes.