Eggplant tea, scientifically known as *Polyphagosaponus latus* (also referred to as *Hemitarsonemus latus*), is a type of mite commonly called the "tea mite" or "multi-food mite." It is classified under the class Arachnida, order Acarina, and family Tetranychidae. This pest targets a wide range of vegetable crops, including eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, red beans, cucumbers, and many others. The damage caused by this mite can be severe, leading to significant economic losses for farmers.
When infested, eggplant fruits lose their natural color and turn dark brown, especially at the tips. Severe infestations cause the fruit to become hard, crack, and become inedible. Affected leaves show signs of curling and stiffness, with the underside turning brown and glossy. If new shoots are affected, plant productivity can significantly decline. As an omnivorous species, the tea mite poses a serious threat, particularly to eggplants.
The adult female measures about 0.21 mm in length, has an oval shape, and is yellowish and translucent. It has four pairs of legs, with the fourth pair being slender. Male adults are slightly smaller, measuring around 0.19 mm, and have a more elongated, diamond-like shape. They are pale yellow, with the fourth pair of legs thicker than the others. Nymphs are smaller and less developed.
In terms of behavior, the tea mite can complete up to 30 generations per year. In colder seasons, females overwinter, while in greenhouses, they can reproduce continuously throughout the year. These mites thrive in warm and humid conditions, and their populations grow rapidly under moderate temperatures, frequent rainfall, and low sunlight. Wind can spread them over long distances, while human activity and crawling mites contribute to local spread. Natural predators include predatory mites such as *Nyssus obliquus*, *Dew's obtuse mite*, and *Tetranychus urticae*, as well as thrips and other beneficial insects.
For prevention and control, integrated management strategies are essential. Agricultural practices should focus on strengthening seedlings, improving ventilation, reducing humidity, and maintaining optimal field conditions. Selecting well-drained, sunny locations, practicing proper planting density, applying organic fertilizers, and managing water levels are all important steps. Regular field inspections and timely removal of infected plants help prevent outbreaks. Spraying should begin when the leaf rolling rate reaches 0.5%.
Chemical control options include using biological agents first, followed by low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides. For example, 1.8% Avermectin EC diluted 3000 times can be applied with a 7–10 day interval. Other options include 20% Compound Liuyangmycin EC (1000x) every 7 days, 73% Chrysanthemum EC (2500x) every 7 days, and 15% fast-acting ketones (like Pyrethrin) at 3000x with a 40-day interval. 5% Nisolut EC or WP (1500x) should be used with a 60-day interval.
By combining these methods, farmers can effectively manage tea mite infestations and protect their crops from damage.
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