Such reproduction without mating is partly responsible for the rapid rate of population increase. Females attract males by a pheromone released shortly before the female deutonymphs emerge as adults. Males are arrested and stand by the female waiting for the appearance of the female, whereupon mating occurs. Mites are assisted in their spread among host plants by their tendency to become airborne by facing into a breeze. However, Tetranychus species feeding generally has a greater impact of host leaf function than Panonychus species.
Infestations can reduce yield and return bloom.
This relationship holds until the first acaricide application. TSM may be counted along with ERM during routine sampling.