Damage of yellow broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus on the lilac persimmon Diospyros lotus and introduction of associated natural enemies in Guilan province

During 2023, samples of leaves and branches of lilac persimmon (Diospyros lotus L.) infested with broad mites (Tarsonemidae) were collected from Rasht city, Guilan province. After preparation of microscopic slide from mite specimens, they were identified using reliable taxonomic references. Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1904) was identified for the first time from Guilan province on lilac persimmon. The damage symptoms of this pest mite were observed in the form of deformity, curling, darkness, and thickening of leaves and deformity of branches and buds. The damage of this pest is severe on the branches and young leaves. This is the first report of the presence of yellow broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) on lilac persimmon in Iran. The following predator mites were also collected and identified in association with this pest mite on lilac persimmon.
Mesostigmata, Phytoseiidae: Euseius stipulatus (Athias–Henriot, 1960), Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes, 1948, Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1876), Transeius wainsteini (Gomelauri, 1968); Prostigmata, Cunaxidae: Lupaeus martini (Den Heyer, 1981); Trombidiidae:  Allothrombium pulvinum Ewing, 1917.