Bionomics of the Tea Red Spider, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner)

Abstract

The red spider, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietn.), is the most widely distributed and probably also the most serious pest of tea in north-eastern India, and also occurs on tea in other parts of India and in other countries. It attacks jute, Corchorus capsularis, in India and has been recorded on a wide variety of other plants in India and other countries.

The life-history of O. coffeae in north-eastern India is described. The duration of the life-cycle varies with the season depending on the temperature and humidity.

In May and June the life-cycle is completed in 9·4–12 days outdoors, while in the cold weather it may take as much as 28 days. The maximum length of life of a female has been found to be 29 days indoors. The males usually die within four or five days. Parthenogenetic reproduction may take place under induced conditions, the progeny being all males.

Red spider normally attacks the upper surface of the mature leaves in which the sap is not flowing freely. In a severe infestation, particularly under conditions of dry weather, the lower surface and the young leaves are almost equally attacked. The affected leaves turn brown, then bronze, and may eventually dry up and fall off.

The red spider mites live under a cover of web that they spin as a protection against inclement weather. The pest occurs in severe form from March to June but with the monsoon rains it practically disappears. A second, light, attack may, however, develop in September or October.

During the cold weather, the mites are present in very small numbers on a few old leaves of the tea bushes, and with the rise in temperature in the spring, they multiply rapidly, resulting in subsequent heavy infestations.

Various factors influence the incidence of red spider and the intensity of its attack. Pruned bushes properly cleaned out are less affected. Bushes defoliated after pruning, and medium pruned tea remain practically unaffectsd. Prolonged dry weather during the early part of the flushing season normally increases the red spider incidence. It prefers bright sun and unshaded areas are more severely attacked.

The red spider spreads from bush to bush by crawling. Dispersal is also effected by various agencies such as wind, cattle, goats and labourers.

A number of predatory insects attack eggs and other stages of the red spider, often keeping it considerably in check.