GENERAL INFORMATION 



The citrus industry in Florida prior to 1904 was confined to the 

 Northeastern part of the state. During this period of time U. dormani 

 was believed to have signifiacant importance on the health of the citrus 

 tree. With the advent of synthetic pesticides following World War II, 

 coupled with changes in cultural practices and a general southerly 

 movement of the industry in Florida, a decline in the citrus tree snail 

 has resulted. Along with this decline there have been increases in the 

 citrus rust mite, disease problems, and a greater dependence of the 

 gorwer on the use of pesticides. This study was conducted to determine 

 the role the citrus tree snail has in relationship to the following: 



1. The seasonal fluctuations of snails in citrus groves, 



2. Effects of relative humidity on snail activity, 



3. Effects of snail movement and feeding on fruit microbiota 

 using scanning electron microscopy, 



4. Examination of snail fecal content, 



5. Determination of the snail feeding potential. 



Additional studies of the citrus rust mite were conducted on the 

 foil owing: 



1. Method for monitoring citrus rust mites, 



2. Extrinsic and intrinsic orientation of citrus rust mite on 

 Valencia orange. 



12 



