Nikolsky, V.L., 1935.
Mites injurious to tea shrub in Transcaucasus. Plant Protection, Leningrad, 4: 126-128.
Abstract
Brief notes are given on the geographical distribution and bionomics of the four species of mites, Eriophyes theae [Acaphylla theae], Watt, E. carinatus, Green, Paratetranychus pilosus [Panonychus ulmi], C. & F., and Tetranychus (P.) bioculatus, W.-M., that have been found infesting tea plants in western Georgia. Of these, the first two have so far not been observed on any other cultivated plants, whereas T. bioculatus and P. pilosus are polyphagous. All four species are especially abundant in the dry, hot months on plantations on sloping ground and dry soil. Fine broad-leaved varieties of tea are preferred to the coarse ones. The attacked leaves become brown and wither, and, in the case of infestation by E. carinatus and T. bioculatus, they fall off. All stages of the mites occur simultaneously, and they are easily carried to uninfested plantations on the clothes of labourers. Control measures should include destruction of weeds, careful examination of all planting material, and dusting the infested bushes with sulphur dust at the rate of 9-13 lb. to the acre, or spraying with an emulsion of 2 gals, kerosene, 1 lb. soft soap and 4 gals. boiling water diluted in cold water at the rate of 1: 10. To destroy the eggs, spraying or dusting should be repeated, and in order not to affect the flavour of the tea the bushes should be treated not less than 10-12 days before picking.
