A field work was conducted using the mitecides propargite and cihexatin in two formulations (WP and FW) with or without the addition of a spreader-sticker (polyoxyethylene alkylphenol ether), for the control of citrus leprosis mite, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes). Two field trials were carried out, in 1991 and 1994, in Natal citrus orchards. Spraying was performed using a tractor powered high pressure spray gun using 18 l and 11 l of spray solution/tree, respectively. Effect of the spreader-sticker was evaluated counting the number of mites before and after treatments. Retention of the spray liquid on the leaves was not affected by the addition of spreader-sticker. Reduction up to 95.6% in mite population was observed with the increase in the dosage rate of the propargite, and up to 98.9% for the cyhexatin in relation to the lower dosage. Spreader-sticker did not increase the efficiency of the cyhexatin, although the total number of the mites, independently of dosage and formulation was 50.1% lower in treatments with spreader-sticker.
Acari; surfactant; spraying; mitecide; formulations
