Damage symptoms
Persea mite feeding causes characteristic damage on avocado leaves, primarily on the underside where the mites form small, web-covered colonies along the main veins. Their feeding punctures the leaf tissue, resulting in small, round necrotic spots that can merge into larger brown or bronze patches as the infestation increases. Affected leaves lose chlorophyll, reducing photosynthesis and overall tree vigour. In severe cases, extensive damage leads to leaf yellowing, premature leaf drop, and canopy thinning, which can expose fruit and branches to sunburn and ultimately reduce yield and fruit quality.
