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Identifying mites attacking fruit crops
Damage from the various species of mites causes yield reduction and loss
of quality in the crop. In addition, the mites can also be vectors of viruses.
The remarkable destructive potential of mites is due to their very high
reproductive capacity so, as well as species identification playing a very
important role in the selection of the most effective control strategies,
the recognition and control of the different stages of development is also
crucial in reducing possible plant damage. The key distinguishing features
are the shape, colour, size and mobility of the mites, though evidence of the
damage they produce also contributes to recognition and identification of
the specific species.
According to the
Identification guide: Mites and beneficials
by the University
of Valencia (2017), among the most common sign of damage in orchards
is the discoloration and yellowing of the green part of the plants caused by
the feeding activity of the mites, producing lesions that lead to drying and
wilting of entire parts of the plant.
Some mite species are strongly linked with specific plant species. As an
example, eriophid mites can be identified just from the damage they
produce on their host plants. In contrast, some other species are extremely
flexible and can develop on different plant species. For example,
Tetranychus
urticae
, commonly known as red spider, can attack and cause damage on a
large number of different cultivated and non-cultivated plant species.
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