Comparative efficacy of three sulfur formulations in controlling the olive mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora) on Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) var. Okitsu, in Cañete, Peru

Abstract

The olive mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora) is considered an economically important pest in citrus fruits, as it compromises the external appearance of the fruit and reduces its commercial value, especially in export markets. This study compared the effectiveness of three forms of sulfur (micronized, wettable powder, and liquid) for controlling P. oleivora in Satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu) var. Okitsu under environmental conditions in the district of San Luis, Cañete (Peru). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replicates: T0 (control), T1 (powdered sulfur, 0.150 kg/200 L), T2 (powdered sulfur, 3 kg/200 L), and T3 (liquid sulfur, 0.8 L/200 L), with three applications separated by 10-day intervals. The incidence of damage and the population density of the mite per fruit were measured. Treatment T3 (liquid sulfur) proved to be the most effective, with an incidence reduced to 7% and an average of 0.37 mites per fruit, achieving 98% control in the third application. This superiority is explained by its better distribution, adhesion, and persistence on the fruit surface, which allowed for more homogeneous and lasting control. It is concluded that liquid sulfur is an efficient, sustainable, and low environmental impact alternative for the integrated management of P. oleivora in mandarins, promoting clean production and competitive agricultural systems for export.