The mites from the Astigmatina cohort (Acari: Sarcoptiformes) promote growth of Lens culinaris in both substrate and agricultural soil enriched with compost

Lentil (Lens culinaris) is a leguminous crop of significant agricultural importance due to its phenotypic adaptations to drought conditions and various soil types. Furthermore, lentils stand out nutritionally among other legumes, due to their high protein content and a high proportion of carbohydrates with low digestibility, which contribute to the protection of the gut microbiota and the reduction of chronic diseases. In Mexico, lentil cultivation is primarily concentrated in the state of Michoacán, accounting for 96% of the national production. However, its cultivation is affected by several challenges that lead to low crop yields. Preliminary observations in our research group revealed that, in household vermicompost, Astigmatid mites promoted root elongation and lateral root development in L. culinaris without consuming the seeds. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the interaction between mites of the Astigmatina cohort (genus Cosmoglyphus) and L. culinaris as a potential strategy for sustainable agriculture, given that these soil mites are saprophagous to plants and may play a role in nutrient recycling. Initially, a gradient of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mites per plant was established in interaction with lentils grown in substrates supplemented with compost. The most pronounced growth-promoting effects were observed at a density of 20 mites per plant. These beneficial effects persisted when lentils were grown in agricultural soil. Finally, a mite count was conducted on the agricultural soil, both supplemented and non-supplemented with compost. A higher mite population was found in the compost-supplemented soil, which correlated with the observed growth promotion.