Tydeid mite control on persimmons

Tydeid mites (Orthotydeus californicus, O. caudatus) occasionally contaminate persimmon fruit. Field trials were conducted in 1990/91, 1991/92, 1994/95 and 1996/97 on persimmon or adjacent pop lar shelter trees to evaluate avermectin, mancozeb mineral oil, permethrin plus pirimiphos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl, propargite or taufluvalinate to reduce tydeid mite populations. Full (1990/91), mid-late (1991/92, 1994/95) or early season applications (1996/97) were evaluated. Mite populations were assessed on leaves and/or fruit. Spraying poplar trees did not reduce mite numbers on adjacent persimmon trees. Pre-harvest or full season spray programmes lowered but did not prevent fruit contamination. The most effective treatments, early season applications of mineral oil oravermectin, show promise for use in a pest management system being developed for export persimmons.