AERIAL DISPERSAL OF CITRUS RUST MITE (ACARI, ERIOPHYIDAE) FROM FLORIDA CITRUS GROVES

The aerial dispersal of citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ash mead), from Florida citrus groves was monitored throughout the 1995 gr owing season, using silicone grease-coated traps. Trap-catch was not a ffected by trap elevation, nor was there a consistent effect of wind d irection on catch among 3 groves. Significantly more mites were captur ed in vertically oriented than in slanted traps in 2 of the 3 groves. The seasonal pattern of dispersal showed marked and coincident peaks f rom mid-September through mid-October at the 3 sites. There was a stro ng linear relationship between trap-catch adn population density on fr uit of 2 of 3 sites and when data from the 3 sites were combined. Disp ersing mites infected with the entomopathogenic fungus, Hirsutella tho mpsonii Fisher, were captured in traps at the 3 groves, and the peak c apture of infected mites generally coincided with the peak and decline of trap-catch. Mites were captured up to 135 in from an infested grov e, and the mean +/- SD dispersal distance under the prevailing conditi ons was 10.95 +/- 20.34 m. The majority of mites captured during 1-h t rapping intervals were alive. These results are discussed in relation to the population dynamics of citrus rust mite and to current trends i n pest management practices in Florida citrus.