The broad mite, ''Polyphagotarsonemus latus'' (

Acari Mites are small arachnids (eight-legged arthropods). Mites span two large orders of arachnids, the Acariformes and the Parasitiformes, which were historically grouped together in the subclass Acari, but genetic analysis does not show clear evid ...

Tarsonemidae Tarsonemidae is a family of mites, also called thread-footed mites or white mites. Only a limited number of tarsonemid genera ('' Steneotarsonemus'', '' Polyphagotarsonemus'', '' Phytonemus'', '' Floridotarsonemus'' and '' Tarsonemus'') are kno ...

), is a microscopic species of

mite Mites are small arachnids (eight-legged arthropods). Mites span two large orders of arachnids, the Acariformes and the Parasitiformes, which were historically grouped together in the subclass Acari, but genetic analysis does not show clear e ...

found on many species of plants, including important agricultural species such as grapes, apples, and other fruits. Broad mites are also currently affecting cannabis plants, as the industry matures with legalization. The mites are found in many areas throughout the world and are major pests in greenhouses. A ''P. latus'' infestation can cause stunting and twisting of the leaves and flowers, and blackening and death of new growth. The damage resembles that caused by herbicides. The mites prefer areas of high humidity and low temperature. They can be controlled by removing and destroying infested plants, and spraying with an

acaricide Acaricides are pesticides that kill members of the arachnid subclass ''Acari'', which includes ticks and mites. Acaricides are used both in medicine and agriculture, although the desired selective toxicity differs between the two fields. Termino ...

. Alternatively, broad mite infestations can be controlled through the introduction of predatory mites, such as Typhlodromips swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus, or Neoseiulus cucumeris.

References

External links

UC IPM online
Trombidiformes Agricultural pest mites Animals described in 1904 Arachnids of South America {{Trombidiformes-stub