Symptoms

Spider mites are especially abundant during dry seasons and typically colonize the under-surface of leaves. Nymphs and adults of the mite feed by piercing and sucking the cell sap from the epidermis of leaves resulting in removal of chlorophyl, reducing photosynthetic activity & transpiration, yellowing & speckling of leaves, premature leaf fall and stunting of growth. Infested flower petals lose their brightness resulting in a direct loss to the grower. Heavy infestation reduces the yield and quality of marketable flowers.

​Management

An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme with a combination of biological, cultural and chemical controls.

Spider Mite Life Cycle