Spider mites

Common Name

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Scientific Name

Oligonychus spp.

Issue

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Causes

These mites are more damaging to the 'Haas' variety; 'Fuerte' variety is less affected

Prevention

Conserve natural enemies provided the natural enemies are not killed by application of pesticides

Control

Wash the leaves with water using high-pressure hoses. This helps to reduce the mite populations. Irrigate and fertilise adequately heavily infested trees to maintain the flush of new growth that occurs after leaf shed due to mite attack. Care should be ta