Mango Mite (Mango Spider Mite)

📖 Description

Mango Mite (Oligonychus mangiferus), also called Mango Spider Mite, is an important pest of mango across the Indian subcontinent, particularly severe in mango belts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where mango is grown on over 2 million hectares. The pest feeds on leaf undersides along the midrib and major veins, causing characteristic bronzing and yellowing that reduces photosynthetic area. Heavy infestation can cause premature defoliation, weakening trees and reducing subsequent fruit set. Outbreaks are favoured by warm dry weather (March-June) and excessive nitrogen. The pest is a classic example of ‘secondary pest outbreak’ — in IPM programs where broad-spectrum insecticides are avoided, native predatory mites (Amblyseius) and the Stethorus ladybird beetle keep O. mangiferus populations below economic threshold. However, when pyrethroids or broad-spectrum insecticides are applied (often for mango hoppers or mealybugs), predatory mites are killed and O. mangiferus populations explode. IPM with conservation of native predatory mites, neem-based sprays, and need-based acaricide rotation provides effective control. The pest is most severe in orchards with poor sanitation and excessive nitrogen fertilization — balanced nutrition and orchard sanitation are key preventive measures. The pest is generally less severe than other mango pests (mango hopper, mealybug, stem borer) but can cause significant defoliation in outbreak years, particularly in young orchards (1-10 years) where foliage is more tender.