Tarsonemidae, P.Kramer, 1877

Vacante, V., 2010, REVIEW OF THE PHYTOPHAGOUS MITES COLLECTED ON CITRUS IN THE WORLD Vincenzo V, Acarologia 50 (2), pp. 221-241 : 225

Tarsonemidae

The Tarsonemidae recorded from citrus are mostly mycophagous and only the broad mite, or citrus silver mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) , produces severe injury to citrus and other cultivated plants ( Jeppson et al., 1975; Gerson, 1992; Nucifora and Vacante, 2004; Vacante, 2010).

Polyphagotarsonemus latus probably represents a complex species ( Lindquist, 1986) and has a worldwide geographical distribution. Optimum development requires tropical climatic conditions and occurs at 25°C and at near saturation humidities (90-100% RH) ( Jones and Brown, 1983). The natural enemies of the citrus silver mite include fungi ( Clavicipitaceae , Ascomycota) and mites ( Phytoseiidae ), and although positive results were reported with fungal pathogens and Phytoseiids, control of the citrus silver mite is commonly based on chemicals ( Vacante, 2009). The most important innovations concern studies on the economic injury level (EIL) and on methods of sampling and monitoring of populations ( Peaea, 1990; Peaea et al., 2002).