Screening, host plant resistance and management of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Marigold

Tetranychus urticae is a disastrous pest of marigold in all seasons over the complete year. Its feeding and web formation destroys the plant completely within a short period of time. Commonly, acaricides were used to manage the two spotted spider mite, T. urticae. But now research is also focusing over increased use of IPM. Pesticides formulated with herbal extracts are in use. These are safe alternative today because chemicals obtained from plants are biodegradable, specific in action and suitable for use. Studies are also going on to search resistant cultivars as Host plant resistance is a major mechanism for resistance against this red spider mite. The article focuses on the need to have an effective control measure for this mite pest. Various management practices and recent studies have been discussed to combat T. urticae on marigold.