Effects of Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) on Fruit Yield, Quality and Economic Value in Citrus Production

Citrus, which represents important species cultivated such as orange, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit and bitter orange and is one of the most important species in the field of fruit growing, is a fruit species with high economic value cultivated in the world and in Türkiye. However, there are diseases, pests and weed species that have negative effects on the yield, quality and economic value of citrus during the production process. The pest Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) or citrus rust mite (CRM) causes great losses in terms of yield, quality and economic value in citrus fruits grown intensively in Türkiye and its surroundings as well as all over the world. In this study, the effects of CRM pest on the yield, quality and economic value of citrus fruits were investigated in citrus production. In the study where the literature review method was used, the data set consists of articles, bulletins, journals belonging to scientific studies on the subject; publications of academic institutions and organizations; studies of experts on the subject; studies, published information and documents conducted by public and private institutions and organizations with authority on the subject; and information obtained from units operating in the field and involved in the agricultural production process. According to the study findings, CRM damages the leaves and fruits of citrus fruits, reduces tree productivity by 30% and fruit productivity by 2.6-65%. Physical quality characteristics of fruit reduce fruit volume (weight, length, and diameter) by 12.5-25% and increase rind thickness by 13.95-23.81. Fruit chemical quality characteristics reduce fruit juice by 22.68-32.69%, Brix/Acid value by 9.22-27.56; increase Brix value by 4.23-16.36 and acid value by 14.66-80.82. CRM reduces the market value of citrus fruits by impairing the quality of 87% of the total marketable fruit. Damages caused by CRM affect tree productivity (30%), fruit productivity (15%), the quality of total marketable fruits by 87%, thus causing losses in market value and finally, causing a cost of $ 47 per acre in pest control, thus causing losses in total economic value of the fruit. As a result, CRM causes a decrease in fruit yield, fruit quality and fruit economic value in citrus. According to the study findings, prevention of this pest will increase the economic benefit from agricultural production.