Panonychus citri (McGregor, 1916)

Zriki, G., Shaabo, A. & Boubou, A., 2015, A preliminary survey of the spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Latakia governorate of Syria, Acarologia 55 (3), pp. 303-309 : 305

Panonychus citri (McGregor, 1916)

The citrus red mite Panonychus citri is a major pest of the world citrus causing serious damages ( Vacante 2010), especially after using the broad-spectrum pesticides which killed its natural enemies ( Kasap 2009). Latakia is the main citrus growing region of Syria and this species is one of the major pest in citrus orchard in this governorate.

Specimens examined — 8 ♀♀ and 1♂ on C. limon (Rutaceae) , Al Qanjara (35°34’43.68"N, 35°48’29.63"E), 30-IX-2011; 1♀ and 4 ♂♂ on C. limon, Al shameea (35°38’12.53"N, 35°48’26.88"E), 13-X-2011; 8 ♀♀ and 4 ♂♂ on C. limon, Janata (35°35’3.18"N, 35°50’1.79"E), 7-XI-2011; 10 ♀♀ and 4 ♂♂ on C. reticulata var. clementine, Al Herajia (35°44’18.73"N, 35°52’57.55"E), 5-X-2011; 8 ♀♀ and 3 ♂♂ on C. reticulata, Al Hannadi (35°29’53.10"N, 35°52’36.50"E), 14-IV-2012.

World distribution and Remarks — Panonychus citri has a worldwide distribution and was reported in many countries neighboring Syria ( Bolland et al. 1998; Migeon and Dorkeld 2006 -2013) before this study.