Influence of weather factors on the seasonal abundance of citrus mite Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) on different citrus cultivars

Abstract

Citrus mites (Acarina: Arachnida) are distributed worldwide. In addition to citrus, many other plants including fruit crops, vegetables, field and weeds are also hosts of mites. In present research to check the seasonal abundance of mites in four tehsils of district. Data regarding E. orientalis adult population was recorded with the interval of seven. Correlation of the citrus mites population with abiotic factors; temperature, humidity and rainfall was also calculated. Over all kinnow variety was found susceptible with maximum population of mite as compare to other citrus varieties. The maximum mite population density was recorded in the tehsil kotmomin as compared to other three tehsils. However relative humidity and rainfall showed significantly negative correlation to the population of E. orientalis. The finding of present research suggested that the kinnow is a susceptible variety for mites attack as well as there is impact of abiotic factors on mite population.