(Oligonychus coffeae)
Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) O.P. Sharma, NCIPM, New Delhi. India, Bugwood.org
The red coffee mite may be a pest of unshaded coffee in localised attacks during the dry season. They attack the upper surface of mature leaves. As a result the upper surface of fully hardened leaves turn a rusty, purple or yellow brown colour. Under drought stress young leaves may also be attacked.
What to do:
- Provide good growing conditions for the plants. In particular avoid drought stress.
- Conserve natural enemies. Predatory mites usually provide control of spider mites, provided no broad-spectrum pesticides are used.