Tropical Entomology - Avocado Red Mite

Oligonychus yothersi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

• Description

  In Florida and Chile, the avocado red mite Oligonychus yothersi (McGregor) is a common pest of avocados (Vargas and Rodriguez, 2008).

• Damage

  
  Avocado red mite

  Part of plant damaged: Leaves

  Feeding is first confined to the upper surface of the leaves, along the midrib, then along secondary leaf veins. The areas along the veins become reddish-brown. During heavy infestations leaves can be covered with mite's cast skins. Damage to the leaf area is regularly observed from October through February, causing up to 30% reduction of photosynthetic activity of the leaves. Leaves affected by this mite regularly drop earlier (45-60 days after infestation) than those leaves that have not been infested. This mite is an occasional pest in some orchards and is seldom observed in others.

• Life Cycle

  The duration of the life stages varies from 14 to 15 days. Females are capable of laying 40 to 50 eggs during their life span (Peña and Johnson, 1999). In Chile, life span is completed in 27 days, with higher density peaks between January and May (Vargas and Rodriguez, 2008).

• Management

  Monitoring and Action Levels

  Periodic inspections are recommended during December, January and February. Control measures may be started when the population reaches 6 or more mites per leaf. (Peña and Johnson, 1999).

  Biological Control

  In Chile, natural enemies of avocado red mite include Stethorus histrio Chazeau, the staphylinid beetle Oligota pygmea Solier, and the phytoseiid Cydnodromus picanus Ragusa (Vargas and Rodriguez, 2008).

  Chemical Control 

  In Florida, few miticides are registered for use on avocados when fruit is present. Sulfur or oil emulsion sprays are recommended (Peña and Johnson, 1999). In Chile, mineral oil is considered effective against eggs and motile stages (Vargas and Rodriguez, 2008). Severe outbreaks of this mite have been observed after the use of neonicotinoid insecticides (Imidacloprid and Thiametoxam), as foliar sprays and through the irrigation system. 

  • Peña, J. E., Duncan, R. E., Klema, E., Hunsberger, A. 1999. Evaluation of direct and indirect action of insecticides and acaricides for control of lime and avocado pests. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 112: 213-217.

  • Updated list of insecticides labeled for Florida avocado production
• References

  Peña, J., and Johnson, F. (1999). Insect management of avocados. Insect Management Guide, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida; http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/Body_IG068

  Vargas, R., and Rodriguez, S. (2008) Avocado red mite, Oligonychus yothersi (McGregor) In :Manejo de plagas en paltos y cítricos, Ripa, R., and P. Larral (eds) Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Ministerio de Agricultura, La Cruz, Chile, Colleccion de Libros INIA 23, 239-246.

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