Phyllocoptruta oleivora

What are Citrus Rust Mites? 

Citrus rust mite feeds on the outer exposed surface of the fruit, causing damage to the rind. Fruit blemish occurs from infestation by huge numbers of mites on green, immature fruit in summer/autumn.

 

Symptoms

Affected fruit has rough, sandpaper-textured, silver, reddish-brown or black blemishes, with darker outer edges. The damage tends to be silvery on lemons and grapefruit, and rusty brown on oranges. Blemishes show up prominently when the fruit colours and becomes more severe the longer the fruit remains on the tree.

Rust mites can also cause bronzing of leaves and green twigs.

 

Plants impacted

  • Citrus Trees

Risk periods

  • Summer
  • Autumn

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