Species:
 
Polyphagotarsonemus latus  (Banks)
   
Common name:
 
Yellow tea mite
   
Yellow jute mite
   
Broad spider
   
Tropical mite
   
Broad rust mite
   
Damaging stage:
 
Larvae and adults
   
Crops Affected:
 
Solanaceous, cucurbits, brassicas, legumes, papaya
   
Characteristic Damage:
 
Secretes toxin in their saliva that causes twisting, hardening and distortion of the plants shoots.
   
Shoots, young leaves and fruits are more susceptible to attack of mites.
   
Infested leaves become narrow and show downward cupping/curling.
   
Veinal areas are dry and brownish and in severe cases become brittle.
   
Heavily infestation leads to shortened internodes, aborted flowers and stunted plant growth.
   
Fruits are discoloured, scaly and severe damage may cause premature fruit drop.
   
Management and Control:
 
Monitor the area regularly.
   
Prune damaged leaves and dispose properly.
   
Spray botanical insecticides such as hot pepper, garlic and kakawate extracts.
   
Apply insecticides such as abamectin (e.g. Agrimek®, Abamec®, Romectin 1.8 ECⓇ ,  AvidⓇ, OrtusⓇ, NissurunⓇ, AgriguardⓇ) alpha-Cypermethrin (e.g. FastacⓇ), lambda-Cyhalothrin (BidaⓇ, KarateⓇ, DescarteⓇ), dimethoate (e.g. Perfecthion®) or diazinon (e.g. Basudin®, Parapest®).
   
References:
ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphagotarsonemus_latus
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/broad_mite.htm
http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/26876

 

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