reduction of major photosynthetic pigments induced by oligonychus coffeae (nietner) (acari: tetranychidae) infesting camellia sinensis (l) o. kuntze

Tea, Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze, is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) has been recognized as a serious pest of tea. The feeding activity of this mite on the leaves of tea induced drastic reduction in the levels of major photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is an essential element of photosynthesis and its content in plant leaves indicates their photosynthetic capacity. The present study elucidates the damage potential of O. coffeae on tea.