Vol. 11, Special Issue 11 (2022)

Author(s):
M Sharath, KC Narayanaswamy, C Chinnamade Gowda, KS Jagadish and Manjunath Gowda

Abstract:
The study was conducted from March to December 2019 to know the species composition of mites infesting bush and tree type mulberry gardens. Observations were recorded at fortnightly intervals. The study revealed the association of two phytophagous mites viz., Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tetranychus truncatus (Ehara) and three predatory mites viz., Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans), Euseius ovalis (Evans), Amblyseius sp. In both tree and bush mulberry, P. latus was observed only in the upper canopy (top 6-7 leaves). P. latus infested foliage becomes rigid or bronzed and assumes a shrivelled and scorched aspect. The apical leaves were heavily damaged, grow distorted and die; similarly in case of the buds. Blistering, crinkling and development of dark colour follows mite attack. Total population of P. latus (2 cm² leaf area) attained peak in November and August on bush and tree mulberry, respectively. Total population of P. latus showed significant positive correlation with RH on both bush and tree type of mulberry. The total developmental period for P. latus and T. truncatus ranged from 3.24 to 3.91 days and 9.40 to 9.52 days, respectively.