Citrus Mites and their Management

Introduction: Mites (Acari) are arthropods, a group that includes insects, spiders and among them, different mite species cause considerable damage in citrus. There are major four mite families relevant to citrus viz., Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae, Tarsonemidae and Eriophyidae. It is a serious pest of citrus in Vidarbha region, especially during Ambia (February-March) and Hasta (October-November) seasons. Citrus mites are more active on new growth of citrus plants, especially in the late spring and early fall. Populations will also be higher during summer due to the higher temperatures and humidity.