Polyphagotarsonemus latus

October 2002. A very large field of Capsicun annuum in the Philippines. About 20% of the plants are affected on about 100 m²: they are stunted and some die. 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 appears to be broad mite damage, a somewhat 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 that the underside of the young terminals leaves are checked for the mites, and the small, oval domeshaped 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.