Flat mite damage on citrus trees can be quite distinctive and easily recognizable. When flat mites feed on the leaves and fruit of citrus trees, they cause a scabbing or raised blister-like appearance on the affected areas. This scabbing is the result of the mites feeding on the plant cells and causing damage to the tissue.
Initially, the damage caused by flat mites may appear as small, yellowish spots on the leaves and fruit. As the mite infestation progresses, these spots can merge together, forming larger areas of scabbing. The scabs can range in color from light yellow to brown, depending on the severity of the infestation and the age of the damage.
One characteristic feature of flat mite damage is that it often occurs in conjunction with injuries caused by other pests such as thrips or leafhoppers. These other pests may cause small puncture wounds on the fruit, which would normally heal and disappear as the fruit changes color. However, when flat mites are present, the injury caused by thrips and leafhoppers does not heal properly and instead develops into scabs.
It is important to note that flat mite damage is more commonly observed during the hot summer months, specifically from July through September. Unlike some other mites, flat mites are fairly heat tolerant, allowing their populations to persist and cause damage even in high temperatures.
To identify flat mite damage, one can closely examine the affected leaves and fruit. The scabbing caused by flat mites will have a distinct texture and appearance compared to other types of damage. It may feel slightly raised or rough to the touch, and the coloration will differ from healthy tissue.
In my personal experience, I have encountered flat mite damage on citrus trees in my own garden. The scabbing caused by the mites was quite evident, with small yellowish spots merging together to form larger areas of scabbed tissue. The affected fruit also had visible puncture wounds from thrips, which did not heal properly due to the presence of flat mites. This combination of scabbing and puncture wounds made it easy to identify the flat mite damage.
To summarize, flat mite damage on citrus trees appears as scabbing or raised blisters on the leaves and fruit. This damage is often accompanied by puncture wounds caused by other pests, which do not heal properly in the presence of flat mites. The scabs can range in color from light yellow to brown, and they persist during the hot summer months when flat mite populations are more active. By closely examining the affected plant tissue, one can easily identify the distinctive scabbing caused by flat mite feeding.
