Common crops affected
- Citrus
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
What is it?
Citrus rust mite is a tiny eriophyid mite that feeds on the surface of fruit and leaves, destroying surface cells. On fruit this produces the characteristic bronzing/russeting that cuts fresh-market value even when internal quality is fine.
How to identify it
- Bronzing, russeting or a dark, leathery 'sharkskin' finish on fruit (especially the sun-exposed side).
- Silvering or bronzing on leaves; reduced fruit size in heavy infestations.
- Mites invisible to the naked eye — confirm with a hand lens (10-15x) on fruit and leaf surface.
- Fruit downgrade at packout despite sound internal quality.
Life cycle & spread
Very rapid generations build through the warm season; populations on fruit can explode in weeks, so monitoring and timing are critical.
Conditions that favour it
Warm, humid weather and dense canopies favour build-up; fruit becomes susceptible from fruit-set onward.
Damage and how it spreads
Surface feeding bronzes/russets fruit, lowering fresh-market grade and price; severe infestations also reduce fruit size and cause leaf damage.
Monitoring & scouting
Hand-lens count mites on fruit and leaves through the season; treat before visible bronzing develops, since damage is permanent once it appears.
How to control it
- Target mites early with thorough fruit and canopy coverage;
- repeat per pressure;
- manage before cosmetic damage sets in.
Recommended Vegalab solution: Spider Mite Control
Spider Mite Control — all-natural acaricide (geraniol with peppermint, cottonseed and rosemary oils) applied on contact with thorough fruit and canopy coverage, before bronzing develops; repeat per pressure.
| Role | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary control | Spider Mite Control |
Preventing it next season
Regular hand-lens monitoring, timely treatment before bronzing, and good coverage of fruit and canopy.
Claims and product availability vary by jurisdiction. Always read and follow the product label.