Yield Reduction in ‘Tahiti‘ Lime from Panonychus Citri Feeding Injury Following Different Pesticide Treatment Regimes and Impact on the Associated Predacious Mites

Abstract

A series of experiments was initiated on ‘Tahiti’ lime trees to assess possible involvement in yield reduction by one or more species of thrips, especially Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan) and F. kelliae Sakimura (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Different pesticides were applied to ensure adequate coverage on flowers and to maintain effective thrips control. Outbreaks of spider mites were anticipated because of the pesticides used and frequency of application. Therefore, population dynamics of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and the predacious mites Typhlodromalus peregrinus (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Agistemus floridanus Gonzalez (Acari: Stigmaeidae) were monitored in four pesticide treatment regimes during flowering on ‘Tahiti’ lime, Citrus latifolia Tanaka in south Florida. Yield was significantly reduced in four pesticide treatment regimes by 41, 31, 28 and 17% relative to the untreated control. Elimination of predacious mites by the selected pesticides resulted in higher sustained populations of P. citri on treated trees compared to those untreated. The pesticide regimes resulted in differences in population densities of both citrus red mite and its key predators. Depending upon the treatment regime and application date(s), the duration and magnitude of disruption resulted in significant differences in yield. P. citri densities that averaged 5.2 or more per leaf during January–February, or 4.3 or more per leaf during January–March, or 3.9 or more per leaf during January– April contributed substantially to the feeding injury and resulted in reduced yield. Typhlodromalus peregrinus was the most common predacious mite collected during this study (80.4%) followed by A. floridanus with 15.7%.

This study demonstrated that the use of one or more pesticides on ‘Tahiti’ lime trees can negatively impact populations of citrus red mites and their associated predators to the detriment of yield. The magnitude of impact was dependent upon the treatment regime and application date(s). Spider mites increased because of reduced predator populations and use of these pesticides, especially in combination, is to be discouraged.