Includes twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and others
Pest description and damage Several species of spider mites can cause damage to apricot. Appearance of these mites varies with the species, although all are 0.02 inch or smaller. Adults and nymphs can be yellowish, greenish, or reddish brown, depending on species. Twospotted spider mites are oval and yellowish-brown or greenish with distinctive black spots on the body. Plants may be covered with fine silk webbing at branch axils or small branches may be engulfed in webbing under very heavy infestations. Mites damage leaves by sucking the contents of epidermal plant cells causing leaf stippling, bronzing, and possibly leaf drop. The reduction in photosynthesis causes loss of tree vigor and fruit yield.
For biology, life history, monitoring and management
See "Spider mite" in:
Management-chemical control
See Table 1 in: