Poplar spider mite

The poplar spider mite (Eotetranychus populi) is a member of the family Tetranychidae. It is a highly specialized mite that primarily infests broad-leaved trees, causing significant damage by piercing the plant tissues and extracting essential fluids from the leaves.

This pest is mainly associated with poplars (Populus) and willows (Salix). In nursery settings and urban landscapes, infestations can be particularly severe due to the concentration of host species and environmental stress factors such as drought, which favor the mite's reproduction.

The biology of Eotetranychus populi is dictated by temperature and humidity levels. Adult females typically overwinter in bark crevices or litter, emerging in spring to lay eggs on the underside of young leaves. Under optimal conditions, the mite population can grow exponentially within a few weeks, completing several generations throughout the growing season.

The damage is characterized by a stippling effect on the foliage, where the loss of chlorophyll leads to yellowing or bronzing of the leaves.

• Discoloration and chlorosis of leaves
• Premature leaf abscission in late summer
• Reduced growth rates in young trees
• Heightened vulnerability to secondary diseases

Effective management requires a proactive approach. Regular scouting of the canopy during hot, dry periods is essential to detect early infestations. Cultural practices such as proper irrigation and the use of natural enemies (predatory mites) help to control populations. In severe cases, targeted acaricides should be applied during the early stages of the mite’s development cycle.