Broad mite
Encyclopedia
The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, is a microscopic species of mite
Mite
Mites, along with ticks, are small arthropods belonging to the subclass Acari and the class Arachnida. The scientific discipline devoted to the study of ticks and mites is called acarology.-Diversity and systematics:...

 found on many species of plants, including important agricultural species such as grapes, apples, and other fruits. The mites are found in many areas throughout the world and are major pests in greenhouses.

A P. latus infestation can cause stunting and twisting of the leaves and flowers, and blackening and death of new growth. The damage resembles that caused by herbicide
Herbicide
Herbicides, also commonly known as weedkillers, are pesticides used to kill unwanted plants. Selective herbicides kill specific targets while leaving the desired crop relatively unharmed. Some of these act by interfering with the growth of the weed and are often synthetic "imitations" of plant...

s. The mites prefer areas of high humidity and low temperature, and can be controlled by removing and destroying infested plants, and spraying with a miticide.
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