Brevipalpus Phoenicis Research Articles

A mite species that consists entirely of haploid females.

The dominance of the diploid state in higher organisms, with haploidy generally confined to the gametic phase, has led to the perception that diploidy is favored by selection. This view is highlighted by the fact that no known female organism within the Metazoa exists exclusively (or even for a prolonged period) in a haploid state. We used fluorescence microscopy and variation at nine microsatellite loci to show that the false spider mite, Brevipalpus phoenicis, consists of haploid female parthenogens. We show that this reproductive anomaly is caused by infection by an undescribed endosymbiotic bacterium, which results in feminization of haploid genetic males.

Citrus leprosis virus: properties, diagnosis, agro‐ecology and phytosanitary importance

Citrus leprosis disease, caused by citrus leprosis virus (CiLV), had severe effects on sweet oranges in Florida (US) until the 1920s, after which it became rare. In South America, it appeared in the 1930s, first in Argentina and then in Brazil, where it is now widespread and very dangerous. It has also been reported in Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. CiLV is transmitted by three species of Brevipalpus, mainly Brevipalpus phoenicis. The virus mainly attacks sweet orange, but also citrange, citron, Cleopatra mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, sour orange and tangor. CiLV is a non‐enveloped rhabdovirus characterized by bacilliform particles measuring 120–130 × 50–55 nm, present in mesophyll and vascular parenchyma within cisternae of the endoplasm reticulum. Viroplasm structures are present in the infected cells. CiLV has been partially purified and its dsRNA as been investigated. It is mechanical transmissible to 13 test plant species belonging to the genera Atriplex, Beta and Chenopodium (Chenopodiaceae), Gomphrena (Amaranthaceae), and Tetragonia (Tetragoniaceae). Using some of these herbaceous test plants, grown at a suitable temperature, it is possible to diagnose CiLV in 3–4 days. CiLV is covered by lists and requirements in phytosanitary regulations, but the information given is often misleading. For phytosanitary purposes, it is important to consider the following main points: (a) both CiLV and its vectors need to be considered; (b) sweet orange fruits can be infected even more than propagation material; and (c) CiLV does not infect susceptible citrus systemically, or any of its known hosts.

First Report of Citrus leprosis virus in Panama.

Citrus is a rapidly expanding fruit crop in Panama with a planted area of approximately 14,000 ha, with the crop destined for both table and juice industries for local and foreign markets. Chiriqui Province in extreme western Panama borders Costa Rica and grows 4,300 ha of citrus that consists primarily of Valencia and navel oranges with the remainder grown throughout other provinces. Some plants in commercial groves in Potrerillos and Boquete in Chiriqui Province were found with leaf (chlorotic spots or rings), stem (necrosis), and fruit (localized ringlike or depressed lesions) symptoms similar to those caused by Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV) (3). In Potrerillos, wood samples about 3 years old were identified in two of the citrus groves, indicating that the infection was established on or before 1996. The mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) was collected in all leprosis-infected or suspected groves in both Potrerillos and Boquete. CiLV is known to be transmitted by B. obovatus Donnadieu and B. phoenicis in Argentina and Brazil, respectively (3). To confirm the presence of this virus, 20 samples (12 from Boquete [B] and 8 from Potrerillos [P]) of leaf and fruit lesions were fixed in a modified Karnovsky solution and sent to Brazil for electron microscopic examination of thin sections. In 8 samples (2 from B and 6 from P) cytopathic effects were found characterized by a dense viroplasm in the cytoplasm and short, bacilliform particles (50 to 60 × 100 to 110 nm) in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, features similar to those reported by Colariccio et al. (1). In 6 samples (5 from B, and 1 from P), the cytopathic effects were similar to those observed in Orchid fleck virus (OFV)-infected cells (2), with an intranuclear, electron lucent viroplasm and short, rodlike particles (40 to 50 nm × 100 nm) either within the nucleus or in the cytoplasm, as also previously reported for a sample of CiLV in Brazil (4). The symptomatology, presence of the mite vector, characteristic cytopathic effects, and presence of virions are considered to be evidence that CiLV is present within a 100 km2 area of Potrerillos and 25 km2 of Boquete in Chiriqui Province. This is the first report of the presence of CiLV in Central America, suggesting that the virus has spread northward from South America.

Nitrogen fertilization and yield losses of tea to red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis geijskes) in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya

A field trial using a mite-susceptible clone 11/4 of tea whose yield potential is over 3 t ha-1 year-1 was conducted to determine how yield losses due to infestation by red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes) relate to nitrogen nutrition. This was done over a 3 year period in plots either receiving 0, 100, or 200 kg N ha-1 year-1. For determining the losses due to mites, an acaricide check method of yield loss assessment was used. Mites were controlled in the plots by spraying flucythrinate. The yield varied considerably between seasons with mean yields in the 3 year period ranging from 2.0 to 2.4 t ha -1 without fertilizer and 2.4 to 2.6 t ha-1 year-1 at 100 kg N and 2.5 to 2.7 t ha-1 year-1 at 200 kg N. Application of the acaricide decreased the mite population by 60-74%. Yield loss between sprayed and unsprayed treatments was 12-22% without fertilizer but this was reduced to 5-6% when fertilizer was supplied at 100-200 kg N ha-1. The reduction in yield losses in fertilized plots indicate the beneficial effects of nitrogen in inducing tolerance to mites and possibly increasing plant vigour. Protecting the tea from mite attack resulted in yield advantage and a net benefit of $US 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 per kg made tea at 0, 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 respectively. Application of 100 kg N ha-1 had higher net cost benefit than the 200 kg N application rate. The strategy for control of mites would be to integrate spraying with use of fertilizer.

Resistência cruzada entre o dicofol e outros acaricidas em Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

Relações de resistência cruzada entre o dicofol e alguns acaricidas recomendados na cultura de citros foram avaliadas em Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) para identificar produtos alternativos a serem utilizados em um programa de manejo da resistência ao dicofol. Linhagens de B. phoenicis susceptível e resistente ao dicofol foram testadas com os acaricidas óxido de fenbutatina, propargite, fempiroximato e bromopropilato. A linhagem de B. phoenicis resistente ao dicofol apresentou resistência cruzada positiva ao bromopropilato e resistência cruzada negativa ao fempiroximato. Não foi detectada resistência cruzada entre o dicofol e os acaricidas óxido de fenbutatina e propargite. Os resultados indicam que dentre os acaricidas testados, somente o bromopropilato deve ser evitado em programas de manejo da resistência de B. phoenicis ao dicofol.

Mistura de dicofol com fempiroximato no manejo da resistência de Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) ao dicofol

A mistura dos acaricidas dicofol e fempiroximato para o manejo da resistência de Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) ao dicofol foi avaliada no presente estudo. Inicialmente, a interação de dicofol e fempiroximato foi testada a partir das CL25s de cada produto para as linhagens de B. phoenicis suscetível (S) e resistente (R) ao dicofol. Foi observada uma interação sinérgica da mistura para as duas linhagens. Posteriormente, a persistência da atividade biológica dos resíduos de dicofol (na concentração comercial de 360 g de ingrediente ativo [I.A.] / 1.000 L de água), fempiroximato (50 g de I.A. / 1.000 L de água) e mistura de dicofol e fempiroximato (240 e 25 g de I.A. / 1.000 L de água, respectivamente) foi avaliada em um pomar comercial de citros. Após a aplicação dos produtos, frutos foram coletados periodicamente e infestados com as linhagens S e R no laboratório. Resíduos de dicofol e da mistura discriminaram as linhagens, ou seja, maior mortalidade da linhagem S em relação à R foi observada em todas as avaliações. Resíduos de fempiroximato não discriminaram as linhagens, porém a concentração aplicada do produto não proporcionou controle eficiente de B. phoenicis. O sinergismo entre o dicofol e fempiroximato não foi eficiente no manejo da resistência de B. phoenicis ao dicofol.

Detecção e monitoramento da resistência de Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) ao dicofol

Um método de bioensaio residual foi utilizado para caracterizar a resistência de Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) ao acaricida dicofol. Arenas confeccionadas com folhas de laranjeira foram pulverizadas com diferentes concentrações de dicofol com o auxílio da torre de Potter. Posteriormente, as arenas foram acondicionadas em placas de acrílico contendo uma solução a 2,3% de ágar-água. Após a transferência de ácaros adultos para a arena pulverizada, as placas foram mantidas a 25±1ºC, umidade relativa de 70±10% e fotofase de 14h. A avaliação da mortalidade foi realizada 24h após a infestação dos ácaros. As CL50s estimadas para as linhagens susceptível e resistente ao dicofol foram 7,44 µg de dicofol / mL de água destilada [ppm (I.A.)] (IC 95% 6,74 - 8,23) e 422,45 ppm (I.A.) (IC 95% 369,41 - 482,80), respectivamente; resultando numa razão de resistência de aproximadamente 57 vezes. Concentrações discriminatórias entre 32 e 100 ppm (I.A.) foram definidas para um programa de monitoramento da resistência de B. phoenicis ao dicofol. Resultados de um levantamento da susceptibilidade de populações de B. phoenicis coletadas em diversos pomares comerciais de citros do estado de São Paulo evidenciaram uma grande variabilidade entre as populações com relação à resposta ao dicofol.

Plant mites from the French Antilles and French Guyana, with descriptions of two new species of eriophyid mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae, Eriophyidae)

Some spider mites (Tetranychidae), false spider mites (Tenuipalpidae) and eriophyid mites (Eriophyidae) are reported from the French Antilles of Guadeloupe, Les Saintes, and French Guyana. Two new species of eriophyid mites, Acalitus granulatus and Paraphytoptus intersitus, are described. Aceria chrysophylli (Cook, 1906) is redescribed from Guadeloupe.

Predatory activity of Phytoseiid mites on the developmental stages of coffee ringspot mite (Acari: Phytoseiidae: Tenuipalpidae)

By means of bioassays performed in arenas of 3 cm in diameter, manufactured with coffee leaves floating on water, the phases of the coffee ringspot mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) were studies on the preference by several developmental stages of the predaceous mites Euseius alatus DeLeon and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma. The experiment was conducted in laboratory at 25 ± 2ºC, 70 ± 10% RH and 14 h photophase. The preferred stage of coffee ringspot vector virus was the larva followed by nymph and egg. Adults were least preyed on. In general, the most aggressive phase of the predators was the adult female followed by the nymph; the larval phase was the least aggressive. The average predation of E. alatus and I. zuluagai for the different phases of B. phoenicis were, respectively: larva (79% and 90%) > egg (47% and 83%) > nymph (40% and 77%) > adult (1% and 18%). This result indicated that I. zuluagai is more aggressive than E. alatus in relation to its predation upon B. phoenicis.

Distribuição espacial do ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) em cafeeiro (Coffea arabica L.)

A distribuição espacial do ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), vetor da mancha-anular em cafeeiro (Coffea arabica L.), foi estudada com o objetivo de conhecer os locais preferidos pelo ácaro, e assim visando seu controle. Contagens de ácaros em todos os estádios do desenvolvimento foram realizadas nas folhas, ramos e frutos nos terços inferior, médio e superior, da parte interna e externa das plantas. Constatou-se que B. phoenicis ocorreu em maior quantidade em folhas internas, ramos e frutos dos terços inferior e médio das plantas de café. Nas folhas, os ácaros localizavam-se predominantemente na página inferior, próximos às nervuras, principalmente a central. Nos frutos, ovos e ácaros foram encontrados preferencialmente na região da coroa e pedúnculo. Nos ramos, foram frequentemente encontrados abrigados nas fendas existentes na casca, e também nos nós.

Phytophagous mite populations on Tahiti lime, Citrus latifolia, under induced drought conditions.

In the north-western region of Venezuela, Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Tetranychus mexicanus and Brevipalpus phoenicis are common plant-feeding mites on leaves, fruits and branches of Tahiti lime, Citrus latifolia. The population dynamics of these herbivores are affected by many factors, such as weekly treatments with wettable sulphur, particularly during the wet season, maintenance pruning of plants, irrigation with microsprinklers, induction of water stress by withholding irrigation and biotic and abiotic environmental factors. During October 1994-January 1995, 31 trees in a commercial orchard were sampled weekly in order to describe population fluctuations of plant-feeding mites (mean number of mites per leaf or fruit), before (4 weeks) and after (4 weeks) a period of 6 weeks of drought stress (no irrigation). The population density of P. oleivora increased progressively during the last 3 weeks of the irrigation period and reached a maximum of 24 mites per fruit. In contrast, the populations of the other two species, T. mexicanus and B. phoenicis, remained at the same low density as before the withholding-irrigation period. After 6 weeks without irrigation, only T. mexicanus increased, to a high mean value of 11 mites per leaf. The withholding-irrigation practice appears to affect the population size of P. oleivora towards the end of this period and that of T. mexicanus at the beginning of the re-establishment of the water supply. The highest proportion of trees (32%) was infested by T. mexicanus after the withholding-irrigation period, when irrigation was resumed, whereas the highest levels of infestation of trees by P. oleivora and B. phoenicis were 16 and 10%, respectively, during the last week of the water-stress period. Although factors affecting the dynamics of the mites in the orchard are likely to be complex, irrigation management apparently plays an important role.

A "Mite" More Information

The NetWatch item “Mad about mites” (5 Nov., p. 1047) is illustrated with an image of a mite of the genus Tuckerella. This genus is known for its beautiful ornamental setae. These mites have been called ornate false spider mites in Australia, peacock mites in Central America, or odd plant-feeding mites in the United States ([1][1]). Contrary to what is mentioned in the NetWatch item, the function and purpose of the setae on Tuckerella mites is known—they are part of a special defense system ([2][2]). The flagellate caudal seta (FCS) [photos 1 and 3 ([3][3])] of the peacock mite are built with prominent spines along its entire length. When predators approach, the caudal setae are moved forward as powerful whips hitting the body of the attacker. This action confuses the predator and gives time for the peacock mite to escape. Furthermore, the leaflike setae (photos 1, 2, and 4), located around and over the body and legs, work in two ways: first, as plate protection, the strong reinforced spines (photo 4) on each seta are naturally projected, and any predator that bites it will have a nasty surprise; and second, as an anchor and tactile attachment system (photo 2), the dorsolateral (DLS) setae will sit against the open wounds or striations on the host. This helps the mites in their feeding and walking process by keeping the mites closer to their plant host. The palmate setae and their defense and feeding behavior made Tuckerella mites the Stegosaurus of the mite world. 1. [↵][4]1. E. W. Baker, 2. A. E. Pritchard , Ann. Ent. Soc. Am. 46, 243 (1953); [OpenUrl][5] 1. B. McDaniel 2. et al. , Acarologia 17, 274 1975; [OpenUrl][6] 1. R. Ochoa 2. et al. , Phytophagous Mites of Central America (El Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenaza, Turrialba, Costa Rica, Serie Tecnica no. 6, 1994, p. 234; 1. D. Walter, 2. H. Proctor , Mites (Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux International, Sydney, Australia, 1999). 2. [↵][7]1. R. Ochoa , Int. J. Acarol. 15, 205 (1989). [OpenUrl][8][CrossRef][9] 3. [↵][10]Mite material for photos was provided by C. Childers, University of Florida, Lake Alfred. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #ref-3 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [5]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAnn.%2BEnt.%2BSoc.%2BAm.%26rft.volume%253D46%26rft.spage%253D243%26rft.atitle%253DANN%2BENT%2BSOC%2BAM%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [6]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAcarologia%26rft.volume%253D17%26rft.spage%253D274%26rft.atitle%253DACAROLOGIA%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [7]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [8]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DInt.%2BJ.%2BAcarol.%26rft.volume%253D15%26rft.spage%253D205%26rft.atitle%253DINT%2BJ%2BACAROL%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1080%252F01647958908683850%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [9]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1080/01647958908683850&link_type=DOI [10]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3 in text

Notes on a probable respiratory apparatus in eggs of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

Eggs of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) are initially smooth and show longitudinal carinae 2 to 3 days after oviposition. The same eegs then develop a globular structure, probably involved in respiration, at the equatorial region. This structure is 10 μm in diameter and has a lateral opening 0.8 μm in diameter.

Cryptic inhabitants of a noxious weed: Mites (Arachnida: Acari) on Lantana camara L. invading forests in Queensland

AbstractIn native forests in Queensland, more than 50 species of mites can be found on the leaves of the invasive weed Lantana camara, including two lantana specialists: the eriophyoid leaf vagrant Rhynacus kraussi and the lantana flower mite Proctolaelaps lobatus. Three exotic pests with broad host ranges are co‐invading native forests on lantana: the privet mite Brevipalpus obovatus; the passionvine mite Brevipalpus phoenicis; and the prickly pear spider mite Tetranychus desertorum. In south‐eastern Queensland, privet mite was present at three‐quarters of the sites sampled, even on isolated plants deep within national parks. A diverse fauna of mostly Australasian endemic natural enemies also colonise lantana; 37 species of predatory mites were identified (including 25 species of Phytoseiidae) and a pathogenic fungus was found attacking prickly pear spider mite in tropical Queensland. Therefore, largely without notice and with unknown consequences, several introduced agricultural pests have invaded native forests on a noxious weed and a host of native natural enemies have responded. The latter could be a severe problem for any mite introduced into Australia to control lantana.

Efeito da pulverização com turboatomizadores em diferentes condições operacionais no controle de ácaros em citros

Estudou-se o efeito das pulverizações de azocyclotin por turboatomizadores Jacto Arbus 2000/Export e Arbus 2000/850, sob diferentes condições operacionais, no controle do ácaro purpúreo, Panonychus citri (McGregor), e da leprose, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes); e de Arbus 2000/Export contra o ácaro da falsa ferrugem, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead). Foram instalados três experimentos em pomares de citros (var. Valência) no período de 1994/95. O acaricida azocyclotin na dose 25 g i.a. / 100 litros d'água foi eficiente por 52 dias no controle de B. phoenicis e por 28 dias contra P. oleivora. Variações nas condições operacionais dos turboatomizadores não influenciaram no controle dos ácaros pragas. O produto azocyclotin pulverizado a 75% da dosagem comercial com 35 bicos do tipo JA-2 (Jacto), a 3,6 km/h e na pressão de 2070 kPa proporcionaram níveis de controle equivalentes aos obtidos com 100% da dosagem comercialmente recomendada desse acaricida, até 16 dias, quando aplicado com o turboatomizador Jacto Arbus 2000/Export no controle de P. citri.

Efeito de diferentes volumes de calda no controle do ácaro-da-leprose Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) em citros

Estudou-se o efeito de diferentes volumes de calda no controle do ácaro-da-leprose, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), na cultura de citros (Citrus sinensis), em dois ensaios de campo, instalados em 1992 e 1993. Os ensaios foram delineados em blocos casualizados. Utilizou-se do óxido de fenbutatina (Torque 500 SC) a 0,01, 0,02, 0,04 e 0,08% de i.a., aplicado à razão de 5, 10, 20 e 40 litros de calda por planta. Os ácaros foram contados previamente e após a aplicação, amostrando-se 10 frutos/planta. Efetuou-se a retirada dos ácaros, com máquina de varredura, e as contagens com auxílio de microscópio estereoscópico. Concluiu-se que o óxido de fenbutatina independentemente das concentrações e volumes de calda, apresentou alta eficiência no controle do ácaro da leprose com reduções no número de ácaros durante o período do ensaio que variaram de 88,2 a 100% até 63 dias da aplicação (ensaio 1) e 75,4 a 100% até 123 dias (ensaio 2). A eficiência dependeu mais do volume do que da concentração, uma vez que, quanto maior o volume da calda, maior a redução da população. Aplicação de 40 l da calda/planta causou reduções médias de 99,3% e 96,7%, independente da concentração.

Acaricide resistance management of leprosis mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis) in Brazilian citrus

Acaricide resistance management of leprosis mite (<i>Brevipalpus phoenicis</i>) in Brazilian citrus

Efeito de espalhante-adesivo na eficiência dos acaricidas propargite e cyhexatin no controle do Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) em citros

Embora espalhantes-adesivos sejam considerados importantes em pulverizações, existem dúvidas quanto à sua utilidade em pulverizações a alto volume quando o escorrimento é maior, como nas aplicações com equipamentos tipo pistola, para o controle de Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes). Dois ensaios de campo foram conduzidos, em 1991 e 1994, em pomar de citros cv. Natal. As pulverizações foram realizadas com pulverizador tratorizado equipado com pistolas de alta pressão usando 18 l e 11 l de calda/planta, respectivamente. Efeitos dos espalhante-adesivo foi avaliado contando-se o número de ácaros antes e após a aplicação. Não se verificaram diferenças sensíveis na retenção do líquido pulverizado nas folhas de citros quando se adicionou o espalhante-adesivo à calda com propargite. Redução de até 95,6% na população do ácaro foi obsevada com o aumento na dosagem do propargite e de até 98,9% em relação de menor dosagem para o cyhexatin. Constatou-se que o espalhante-adesivo não melhorou a eficiência do cyhexatin, embora a somatória dos totais de ácaros, independentemente da dosagem e da formulação, tenha sido 50,1% menor com o uso de espalhante-adesivo.

Virus-like particles associated with Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), vector of citrus leprosis virus

Seccoes ultrafinas do acaro Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes, vetor da leprose dos citros, foram examinadas ao microscopio eletronico. Particulas semelhantes a virus (rhabdovirus ou badnavirus) foram observadas no corpo do vetor. As particulas sao similares as ja noticiadas em tecidos foliares de citros que apresentavam sintomas de leprose.

INFLUENCE OF CITRUS LEPROSIS ON THE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF Citrus sinensis LEAVES

Citrus leprosis is the main viral disease affecting citrus in Brazil. Viral diseases can affect the mineral composition of citrus leaves, inducing mineral deficiencies. The aim of this work was to verify the influence of citrus leprosis on the mineral composition of citrus leaves, cultivar Pera. Orange seedlings were grown in pots containing sterile soil, and kept under greenhouse conditions. When plants had 15 to 20 leaves, they were infested with the mite Brevipalpus phoenicis, the leprosis vector, collected from infected citrus plants. Other plants were not infested, and were used as the control. Ninety days after infestation, all the infested plants presented leprosis lesions. The six upper leaves of each plant were collected and the determination of macro and micro-elements was performed. Leaves from the infected plants showed lower levels of N and higher levels of Ca, S and Fe, as compared to the control (= 0.05). Both treatments presented similar levels of P, K, Mg, Cu,Mn, Zn and B.