Mites associated with Citrus latifolia (Rutaceae) in Artur Nogueira municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract

Citrus latifolia Tanaka (Rutaceae) is a perennial and spinescent citrus tree. Knowledge of the mite fauna on this plant in São Paulo State is limited. The aim of this work was to survey the mite species from a C. latifolia orchard in Artur Nogueira municipality, central-eastern region of São Paulo state. Leaf samples were collected every two weeks from November 2011 to April 2012 for examination under a stereomicroscope. Mites found were mounted on microscopic slides in Hoyer's medium. In total, 147 mites representing 21 species of 11 families were found. Panonychus citri (McGregor, 1916) (Tetranychidae) was the dominant phytophagous species, accounting for about 20% of all mites. The predatory mite family Phytoseiidae was the most diverse, comprising nine species. Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, 1949 and P. citri are reported for the first time in C. latifolia in Brazil.