Citrus Red Mite Pesticide Efficacy Trials, 1995, 1996

Acaricides for control of citrus red mite were evaluated in the spring of 1995 and 1996 on ≈20 year old ‘Washington navel’ orange trees at the Lindcove Research and Extension Center, Exeter, CA. The acaricides were compared for efficacy against citrus red mite as well as their impact on populations of a predatory mite, which feeds on citrus red mite in San Joaquin Valley orchards. The acaricides were applied on 19 May in 1995; and on 8 Apr in 1996 using a Bean hand-sprayer at 300 psi and approximately 300 gpa (3^1 gal/tree). Single tree treatments were assigned based on pretreatment sampling of citrus red mite conducted on 9 May 1995 and 7 Apr 1996. Samples consisted of five leaves from the periphery of four quadrants of each tree (20 leaves per tree). The number of all active stages of citrus red mite and predatory mites per leaf were recorded weekly.