Broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus
(Acarina: Tarsonemidae)

The broad mite has a wide distribution and occurs in North America and South America. The broad mite has an extensive host range and is a destructive plant feeder that causes terminal leaves and flower buds to become malformed. Blossoms will be aborted and plant growth will be stunted when large populations of broad mite are present. Mites are very small and difficult to see without a hand lens. The identification of mites usually requires a trained specialist. If broad mites are identified, insecticidal oils, soaps, or elemental sulfur may be applied to manage them. Biological control agents are available including several species of predatory mites.

Images

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Broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, highly magnified.
(Photographer: J. Peņa, University of Florida)

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Broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, highly magnified.
(Photographer: J. Peņa, University of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Broad mite damage to pepper (bud
proliferation).
(Photographer: J. Peņa, University
of Florida)

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Broad mite damage to pepper.
(Photographer: J. Peņa, University of
Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.

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