First record of the citrus red mite Panonychus citri in Cyprus

Abstract

A new phytophagous mite species, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) (the citrus red mite), was found in Cyprus during spring 2008, infesting citrus plantations. Mites occurred in large numbers, mainly in the canopy of orange, lemon and mandarin trees. The adults and larvae preferred the upper surfaces of mature leaves of the above citrus species, although they occurred on both leaf surfaces. Orange, lemon and mandarin trees were greatly affected by this mite, as its high population densities under hot and dry conditions in the spring caused heavy leaf drop (firing) and twig dieback.