Originating in
Mexico, the persea mite, Oligonychus
perseae, was found in California in the early 1990’s and probably
came to the Big Island of Hawaii in the early 2000’s. The main host for the mites is avocado trees. Some varieties are more susceptible than others; the Lamb-Haas is
considered least susceptible. Many ornamentals and weeds also host the persea
mite. The adult mites have eight legs and an oval body with two dark reddish
eye spots near the head end of the body. They lack antennae and body
segmentation.
Mites feed both on the fruit and leaves, most notably on the underside
of leaves. The damage appears as small, circular, yellow to brown spots. Mite colonies often reside against the
protruding midrib vein of the underside of the leaves. They produce a dense, silk webbing of protection
over them. The webbing resembles a silvery spot on the underside of the leaf,
often seen glistening under sunlight.
Premature leaf drop will begin once
the feeding damage to the leaves reaches and exceeds 10% of the surface area. This can lead to sunburned bark and fruit; yields have
been reduced up to 20 %. Trees will
recover from the defoliation by producing a new flush. But repeated dropping of
the foliage will severely stress the tree.
In the home garden,
some mites can be tolerated. Several species of natural enemies often reduce the population of the mites. If
numbers get too high, horticultural oils will suppress the mite population. It is important that the
spray solution contact the undersides of the leaves, where mites are located. Where
feasible, spraying the undersides with a forceful stream of water
can also reduce mite populations. By using hydrated lime or diluted
white latex paint, a whitewashing on the trunk and major limbs will help protect bark and wood
from sunburn after a premature leaf drop.
Photo of Mites: UC IPM Program
