ABSTRACT
Spider mites outbreaks on Australian and California cotton have assumed major pest status, with outbreaks most severe following utilization of insecticides for control of primary insect pests. In both geographic regions, outbreaks are most severe Where Pyrethroid insecticides are used. The twospotted mite is common to both cotton production regions, while Tetranychus ludeni also occurs in Australia and three additional species occur on California cotton. Australian cotton is severely defoliated by the twospotted mite, a condition most commonly associated with the strawberry mite in California. In Australia, the twospotted mite is controllable with either of two organophosphorous (OP) insecticides, but is developing resistance to these compounds. California spider mites have developed resistance to the OPs and some populations are resistant to the selective acaricides. Plant resistance, natural enemy preservation, and selective pesticides are management strategies for both areas.
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