Rust Mite

Rust Mite (Culops lycopersici) are 0.15-0.2 mm long and 0.05 mm wide. A hand lens is needed to see these mites. They attack tomato, chilli and capsicum. Feeding by nymphs and adults of the tomato russet mite causes loss of plant hairs, bronzing of the stem and death of lower leaves. Fruit ripen unevenly and immature fruit have greenish white spots. Infestations are worst in warm dry weather.