| Species: | |
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Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) |
| Common Name: | |
|
Yellow tea mite |
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Yellow jute mite |
|
Broad spider |
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Tropical mite |
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Broad rust mite |
| Damaging Stage: | |
|
Larvae and adults
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| Crops Afected: | |
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Solanaceous, cucurbits, brassicas, legumes, papaya
|
| Characteristics Damage: | ||
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Secretes toxin in their saliva that causes twisting, hardening and distortion of the plants shoots.
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|
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Shoots, young leaves and fruits are more susceptible to attack of mites. | |
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Infested leaves become narrow and show downward cupping/curling. | |
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Veinal areas are dry and brownish and in severe cases become brittle. | |
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Heavily infestation leads to shortened internodes, aborted flowers and stunted plant growth. | |
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Fruits are discoloured, scaly and severe damage may cause premature fruit drop. | |
| Control and Management: | |
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Monitor the area regularly.
|
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Prune heavily infested leaves and dispose properly. |
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Spray botanical insecticides such as hot pepper, garlic and kakawate extracts. |
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Spray botanical insecticides such as neem, hot pepper and kakawate extracts. |
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Apply insecticides such as abamectin (e.g. Agrimek®, Romektin®), formethanate HCL (e.g. Dicarsol®), methiocarb (e.g. Mesurol®) and diazinon (e.g. Parapest®) whenever necessary. |
| References: | |
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphagotarsonemus_latus |
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