MITE IN MANGO ORCHARDS

The role of mites in mango orchards is very interesting, but a prerequisite for this type of work is the survey and studies of mites present in mango orchards. Eriophyid mites feed on vegetative as well as reproductive parts of plants and tetranychids feed on mature leaves. On account of their feeding the vegetative growth and fruit formation is affected, diminishing naturally the production of mango fruits. In addition to these phytophagous mites there are other species which are predatory and may affect the yield by contributing to the natural control of phytophagous mites. Still others are scavenger and fungus feeder.

As a result of the survey conducted, one species of eriophyid having no alternate host, one species of tetranychid, five species of predators and five species of scavenger and fungus feeder have been taxonomically studied.