Citrus red mite

The Citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) is an economically important pest of citrus globally. Although citrus is the main host, it can also infest other fruit trees including pome and stone fruits. Adult mites and their nymphs feed on the fruit, leaves and twigs of the host plant and can cause defoliation, discoloration and reduced quality of the fruits. It is thought that the citrus rust mite originates in Asia, but global transportation of plant stock and ornamental citrus plants helps to spread the pest.

The citrus red mite that has a short generation time and high fecundity. These life cycle features combined with the long duration of protection needed to prevent damage to citrus crops often results in prolonged and repeated exposure to insecticides and acaricides. This persistent exposure can and has led to the development of pesticide resistance.