CHILLI MITE

Scientific Name :Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks)
Family: Tarsonemidae
Order : Acari
Common Name : Chilli Yellow mite

It is a Polyphagous pest widely distributed throughout the tropics and sub tropics. It belongs to the phytophagous mite family, Tarsonemidae. The peak activity of pest is noticed in main field from October to November which coincides the dry humid weather.

Appearance:

Adults are large, oval, broad and yellowish in colour bear 4 pairs of legs. Larva or nymphs are very tiny with white translucent colour and a  translucent stripe on dorsal side while quiescent larva is elongated at both ends and sendentry (immovable) 

Adults

Nymphs

Life cycle:

Eggs are deposited singly on the lower surface of the leaf. Incubation period lasts for 1-3 days. First instar nymph or larval period varies from 12h - 1.5 days and the second nymph or larval period is of 12hr. Total nymph or larvae period lasts for 1-2 days. Pupal period lasts for a day. Adult longevity varies from 3- 5 days. The total life cycle is completed within 6.5 - 10 days.

Eggs

Nature of damage:

Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from young foliage and growing tips.

Damage symptoms:

Downward curling and crinkling of leaves giving an inverted boat shaped appearance, , stunted growth, elongation of Petiole i.e. rat tail symptom on fruits scaring is very common with reduced fruit size.

 

Crinkling of leaves

Downward curling	Stunted growth
Petiole elongation	scaring  of  Fruit with reduced size