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date palm mite
Signs of Infestation
Appearance of spots and scratches on infected fruits.
The fruit shows red discoloration at the site of the scratches.
Thickening and ulceration of the fruit peel.
Hardening of fruits, preventing them from reaching maturity.
Nymphs and adults produce dense webbing on fruit clusters, which accumulates dust and dirt, rendering the fruits unfit for human and animal consumption.
Sources of Spread and Transmission
Wind helps spread the date palm mite, especially during dry periods.
The date palm mite moves from one palm to another by walking, or by attaching to the legs of wasps and other insects.
Failure to remove weeds, especially those surrounding palm trees.
Transmission through agricultural equipment and labor.
Failure to remove infected stalks, date bunches, or agricultural residues.
Prevention and Control Mechanism
Regular inspection of palms and monitoring the early appearance of infestation to ensure more effective control.
Proper agricultural care of palms, since neglected or weak palms are more prone to date palm mite infestation, particularly in fields that lack proper hygiene; therefore, preventive measures should include good agricultural practices such as cleaning, fertilization, irrigation, and planting palms at appropriate distances to allow good ventilation, sunlight, and heat, which kill the date palm mite.
General orchard sanitation, including the removal of weeds growing in orchards and around palms, removing old fruit stalks, floral spathe remnants, and old fronds branches, and disposing of all infested harvest residues and fallen fruits.
Infestation levels decrease during rainy seasons, since rainfall washes date palm mites off palm trees; alternatively, during dry seasons, weekly washing of stalks with a strong stream of clean water should be carried out, depending on infestation conditions.
Preventive spraying of previously infested palms in winter after harvest (al-Saram) with a specialized pesticide.
In case of infestation, applying one of the specialized acaricides; preference should be given to bio-based compounds of organic origin that are non-toxic to humans and animals and contribute to environmental protection.