Duso, C., 1997.
The occurrence of Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Northern Italy: distribution, host range, phenology. Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica, 32: 141-155.
Abstract
In the late 80s, symptoms linked to spider mite feeding were observed on ornamental plants, in particular Prunus laurocerasus, in Padua (Venetia, Northern Italy). Surprisingly, symptoms were caused by Panonychus citri (McGregor) a tetranychid well-known as one of the major pests of citrus in the world. Previously, P. citri had been recorded in southern Italy, especially on citrus. In subsequent years the species has been recorded on different ornamental plants. In the laboratory, mites collected on P. laurocerasus in Padua developed successfully on Citrus aurantium, Prunus laurocerasus, Poncirus trifoliata and Pyrus serotina. Field observations, carried out in different sites and on P. laurocerasus, showed that P. citri populations reached the highest densities in spring-early summer in correspondence with the development of the new vegetation. Some weeks later population densities dramatically decreased. The impact of predators did not appear to be important. A new population increase in late summer was seldom observed. In northern Italy, climatic conditions are quite different from those recorded in the Mediterranean area, especially as regards winter temperatures. However, P. citri infestations on ornamentals have been recorded for a number of years both in urban and non-urban areas, typically on hedges along roads. The factors involved in this phenomenon and the implications are discussed.
