The persea mite Oligonychus perseae is the key mite pest of avocado production in Southern California. Summer populations of this mite can cause severe cycles of tree defoliation that give rise to smaller sized and sunburned fruit sets. Due to the hillside nature of many groves and the large tree sizes, chemical treatment is often limited to aerial applications with helicopters. Control efficacies has been limited due to poor coverage on the undersides of leaves, where the mite colonies occur. This trial looked at a unique early season treatment timing, treating the spring flush leaves as they expanded and before hardening, to enhance the residual control of abamectin. Two spray volumes and three material rates were included in the trial. All spray volumes, even the lightest and all rates of abamectin, even the lowest, gave season long control of persea mite.
Species 1: Acari Tetranychidae Oligonychus perseae (persea mite)
Keywords: translaminar, Agrimek
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