TETRANYCHIDAE) ON AVOCADOS

Sixspotted mite (Eotetranychus sexmaculatus) is a serious pest of avocados in New Zealand and their feeding on the leaves can lead to defoliation. There are no pesticides registered for controlling sixspotted mites and there is an urgent need to develop effective control methods. Laboratory bioassays were carried out to evaluate the potential of a range of pesticides against sixspotted mites. A field trial was also carried out comparing mite infestations on trees sprayed with a combination of Avid ® + Excel ™ Oil ® with levels on unsprayed trees. The bioassays indicated that Avid®, Malathion, Basudin 50 WP and Mavrik ® Flo all have potential to control mites. The application of two sprays of Avid ® + Excel™ Oil ® significantly reduced populations of sixspotted mites in avocado trees