Can summer and fall vegetative growth regulate the incidence of Tetranychus urticae Koch on clementine fruit?

Fruit scarring caused by Tetranychus urticae is one of the main pest problems faced by Spanish clementine growers as it can downgrade the quality of the fruit completely. T urticae infestations concentrate on fruit at the end of summer. This study assessed the influence of vegetative growth of clementine trees during summer and fall on the damage caused by T urticae. Damage significantly increased in trees in which summer and fall flushes were mechanically removed. This indicates that summer and fall leaf growth is a key factor limiting mite damage on fruit. Cultural and crop protection practices which promote abundant normal summer and fall vegetative growth seem to be critical for minimizing the impact of T urticae populations on fruit quality. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.