Broad mite

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Broad mite

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Subclass:	Acari
Superorder:	Acariformes
Order:	Prostigmata
Suborder:	Eleutherengona
(unranked)	Heterostigmata
Superfamily:	Tarsonemoidea
Family:	Tarsonemidae
Genus:	Polyphagotarsonemus
Species:	P. latus

Binomial name

Polyphagotarsonemus latus

The Broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) (Family: Tarsonemidae) is a microscopic species of mite found on many species of plants including important agricultural species such as grapes, apples, and other fruits. They are found in many areas across the world. They are a big pest in greenhouses.

Signs and Symptoms: look for stunting and twisitng of the leaves and flowers. New growth will blacken and die. The damage looks similar to herbicide damage.

Monitor: Look for the damage and verify the mite species under a microscope. They pefer areas of high humidity and of low temperature, so monitor those areas first.

Control: Remove and destroy infested plants, spray with a miticide. Contact with the mite is crucial, so keep that in mind when spraying.