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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines


Broad mites.

Citrus

Broad Mite

Scientific Name: Polyphagotarsonemus latus

(Reviewed 7/03, updated 7/03)

In this Guideline:


DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST
Broad mites are often found in depressions on fruit where the females lay their eggs, which are dimpled, translucent, and white. These mites are so small you need a hand lens to see them. Broad mites are yellowish in color and adults females have a white stripe on the back.

DAMAGE
Broad mites feed on fruit and leaves, preferring young fruit up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter that are located on the inside of the canopy. Feeding results in scarred tissue that cracks as fruit grows, leaving a characteristic pattern of scars and new tissue. Although most feeding occurs on fruit, broad mites may also feed on young expanding leaves causing them to curl. This cupping and curling of leaves can appear similar to mild damage caused by glyphosate-Roundup applications.

MANAGEMENT
Broad mites are occasional pests of coastal lemons from late July through early October; infestations are enhanced by the presence of Argentine ants. No monitoring or treatment guidelines have been developed for this mite in citrus. If high and increasing populations warrant treatment, use miticides with the least toxicity to predaceous mites.

Common name
(trade name)
Amount to Use
(type of coverage)**
Minimum Days
before Harvest+

A. ABAMECTIN*    
  (AgriMek) 0.15 EC 5 fl oz/acre (TDC) 7
  ...PLUS...
  NARROW RANGE OIL    
  (415) 1.4%  
  RANGE OF ACTIVITY: Narrow (citrus thrips, mites)
  PERSISTENCE: Short
  COMMENTS: For use on all varieties.
       
B. WETTABLE SULFUR# 3-4 lb/100 gal (TDC) 1
  RANGE OF ACTIVITY: Narrow (mites and citrus thrips)
  PERSISTENCE: Intermediate
  COMMENTS: For use on all varieties. Apply as mites appear; avoid applications during or preceding high temperatures. Do not apply sulfur within 2 months of a previous oil spray or apply oil 60-90 days after a sulfur treatment.
       
C. DICOFOL    
  (Kelthane MF) 4E 0.6-0.8 pt/100 gal (TDC) 7
  RANGE OF ACTIVITY: Narrow (pest and beneficial mites)
  PERSISTENCE: Long
  COMMENTS: For use on all varieties; do not apply during bloom. Can cause secondary outbreak of citrus red mite. Closed application system required with this material. Do not exceed 6 pt/acre.
       
D. CHLORPYRIFOS*    
  (Lorsban) 4E 0.75 pt/100 gal (TDC) See comments below
    in 1200-1600 gal  
  RANGE OF ACTIVITY: Broad (insects and beneficial mites)
  PERSISTENCE: Intermediate
  COMMENTS: For use on all varieties. Do not apply during bloom and no more than 2 applications/year at least 30 days apart. Minimum period before harvest is 21 days up to 7 pt/acre, 35 days above 7 pt/acre.

** TDC - Thorough distribution coverage uses 500-3,000 gal/acre, but less than thorough coverage (TC)
  LV - Low-volume uses 20-100 gal/acre.
+ Minimum days before harvest takes into account the California restricted entry interval and the federal preharvest interval and lists the longer interval. (See Table 1 Mandatory Intervals Between Application, Reentry and Harvest, and Hazards to Bees.)
# Acceptable for use on organically grown produce.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.

[Precautions]

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Citrus
UC ANR Publication 3441
Insects, Mites, and Snails
E. E. Grafton-Cardwell, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. G. Morse, Entomology, UC Riverside
N. V. O’Connell, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.
P. A. Phillips, UC IPM Program, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura Co.
C. E. Kallsen, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
D. R. Haviland, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
Acknowledgments for contributions to the insect, mite, and snail section:
J. Barcinas, E. S. I., Corona, CA
R. Dunn, Badger Farming Co., Exeter, CA
J. Gorden, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
H. Griffiths, E. S. I., Corona, CA
D. Machlitt, Consulting Entomology Services, Moorpark, CA
C. Musgrove, retired entomologist, Riverside, CA
K. Olsen, S & J Ranch, Pinedale, CA
T. Roberts, E. S. I., Corona, CA
J. Stewart, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
P. Washburn, Washburn & Sons Citrus Pest Control, Riverside, CA

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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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