| 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, diazinon whenever necessary. |
| 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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