Abstract

Effects of various levels of feeding injury caused by the avocado brown mite, Oligonychus punicae (Hirst) (Acari: Tetranychidae), on avocado leaves were examined. Mite feeding from the upper leaf surface reduced chlorophyll content of the upper mesophyll layer of avocado leaves, whereas chlorophyll content remained unchanged in the lower spongy parenchyma layer. Stomatal and mesophyll conductance values, photosynthesis, and transpiration were found to be negatively correlated with increasing levels of spider mite injury. Avocado photosynthesis rates were reduced 56% when 100% feeding injury was sustained on the upper leaf surface.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.