?Polyphagotarsonemus latus

October 2002. In a very large field of Capsicun annuum in the Philippines, about 20% of the plants are stunted and some have died. Plants are sprayed with fungicide and insecticide weekly, but no herbicide has been used.

In response, PestNet suggested that stunting, bronzing and malformation of the younger leaves appear to be broad mite damage, a common problem in Hawaii. The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) ACARI: Tarsonemidae, is also known as the yellow tea mite and the tropical mite. It was suggested to check the underside of the young terminal leaves for the mites. If it is present there should be a bronze discoloration and small, oval dome-shaped eggs, somewhat clear except for the characteristic white longitudinal rows of tubercles on the upper surface.

It was said that mites were looked for, but none were found.