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Yellow mite and red mite in chilli

Two acarine pests dominate the Indian chilli crop: the broad / yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tarsonemidae), known locally as muranai, murda or nalli mite, and the two-spotted red spider mite Tetranychus urticae. The broad mite is the larger economic concern in south Indian chilli belts.

Identification and symptoms

P. latus damage produces the diagnostic inverted-boat downward leaf curl, petiole elongation (the 'rat-tail' symptom), leaf bronzing and fruit scarring. The downward leaf curl is a key field marker that distinguishes mite damage from the upward leaf curl produced by chilli leaf curl virus (Disease Chilli Leaf Curl Virus) and by Thrips parvispinus feeding (Pest Thrips Parvispinus Black Thrips).

Host crops / Life cycle

The principal species is Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), family Tarsonemidae; Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae) co-occurs in many fields (Red Spider Mite In Chilli). The mites are highly polyphagous and reproduce rapidly under warm dry conditions, completing multiple generations per crop cycle.

Damage and economic impact

Heavy mite infestation can cause defoliation, fruit scarring and significant yield loss; the disorder is widespread across all major Indian chilli varieties (Chilli Guntur Sannam, Chilli Teja Segment, Chilli Byadgi Segment).

Management (cultural, biological, chemical)

  • Acaricide chemistry (TNAU) — fenazaquin 10 EC at 2 ml/L, abamectin (Vertimec) 1.9 EC at 0.2 ml/L, or wettable sulphur at 3 g/L
  • Best-performing trial chemistry — ICAR-IIVR Varanasi trials (2011-14) found chlorfenapyr at 1.5 ml/L most effective (~70% mite reduction), followed by spiromesifen and fipronil
  • Biocontrol — predatory mites of the genus Amblyseius (e.g., Amblyseius ovalis)
  • Calendar fit — mite-active sprays are integrated into the mid-stage of the IPM schedule (Practice Chilli Spray Schedule)

Red Spider Mite In Chilli, Pest Thrips Parvispinus Black Thrips, Practice Chilli Spray Schedule, Disorder Chilli Flower Bud Drop

References

  1. Yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus on chilli. TNAU Agritech crop protection page.
  2. Management of yellow mite in chilli. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, ICAR.