Study on the Population Dynamics and Environmental Factors of Citrus Red Mite(Panonychus citri)

Population dynamics and environmental factors of citrus red mite(Panonychus citri) were studied by field test and mathematical statistics.The results showed that there were two population peaks of the mite in each year in "Satsuma Mandarin" producing area of Hubei province,appearing at May to June and September to October respectively.Atmospheric temperature was the primary factor affecting the growth and development of the mite.The highest increasing speed of mites and eggs appeared at 15～20℃;and the population peak usually appeared when temperature was 22～27℃,and humidity was 75%～83%.Long time of rainfall could inhibit the development of population as the population would decrease sharply if the precipitation of ten days exceeded 100 mm.The population proliferation ability would increase according to the increase of adult mite density.The dynamics of mite population and its enemies coincide with Leslie Patter.When the density of mites enemies(Stethorus punctillum,etc) was 0.05～0.08 head per leaf,the population development of the harmful mite could be controlled.