CHEMICAL CONTROL OF THE RUST MITE PHYLLOCOPTRUTA OLEIVORA ASHMEAD, FLAT MITE BREVIPALPUS CALIFORNICUS BANKS AND ITS SIDE EFFECT ON AMBLYSEIUS SCUTALIS (ATHIAS-HENRIOT) ON CITRUS TREES.

Two field experiments were carried out to evaluate the effective‌ness of Vertimec, Dithane M-45 and the three local mineral oils Super Shokrona, Shokrona and Star oil against the citrus flat mite, B. californi‌cus and the citrus rust mite Ph. oleivora on Navel orange trees. The first experiment was conducted at Toukh, Qualubia Governorate to study the effect of these compounds against the flat mite and their side effects on the predatory mite A. scutalis (Athias Henriot). The second experi‌ment was conducted on the citrus rust mite collected from Kom Hafza, Damanhour district, Behera Governorate. The results showed that Vertimec was the most toxic compound against 8. californicus followed by Super Shokrona then Star oil. Shokro‌na oil however was the least toxic . With regard to the effect on the predatory mite A. scutalis, Verti‌mec produced the highest effect , while Super Shokrona and Star oil seemed to be moderately effective. The lowest reduction in the mite population was produced by Shokrona oil. Dithane M-45 was the most potent against P. oleivora. Vertimec, Super Shokrona, Star oil and Shokrona came next in a respective order. The percentages of russeted fruits in Dithane M-45 treatment were less than any of the other treatments.