Mites
There are multiple species of mites that impact citrus production worldwide. In Florida, the two main groups of mites that impact citrus production include rust mites and spider mites. We also see flare ups of broad mites and flat mites (Brevipalpus pp.) on occasion. Rust mites, including pink citrus rust mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora) and citrus rust mite (Aculops pelekassi) feed on green stems, leaves, and fruit. Feeding damage on fruit produces miscolored fruit peels that ranges from minor damage spots to large sections of the fruit appearing bronzed, with early season heavy feeding damage causing severe alterations to the peel whereby the fruit appear a white to grey color with a distinctly rough skin that is referred to as “shark skin”.
Spider mites, which include two spotted spider mites, citrus red mites, Texas citrus mite, and six-spotted spider mites, generally feed on leaves, causing damage that leads to leaves drying out and falling off trees under heavy pressure. Heavy loads of spider mites can lead to defoliation of trees.
