The avocado red mite (Oligonychus yothersi) is native to Central America. The female is orange and blackish red. The male is smaller, slender, paler in color and has longer legs than the female. The avocado red mite is a pest of great importance in avocado. Infestations occur on the mature leaves and on the upper side of the leaves, preferring to position themselves along the midrib where the eggs, nymphs and adults are grouped and protected by thin webs of whitish threads. Affected avocado leaves turn coppery-red. The attacks of this species increase from summer to autumn-winter.
Damage
Retarded plant growth
Feeding damage causes small coppery-red necrotic spots that eventually coalesce into larger ones, reducing significantly the photosynthetic capability of trees and plants and greatly reducing their production of nutrients. Heavy infestations can cause wilting and defoliation of the leaves, leaving the trees and fruit susceptible to sunburn, leading to reduced fruit size, quality, and yield.
Natural Enemies
There are specific natural enemies for different species of mites.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.
