Mites associated with the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Larestan (Fars province), southern Iran

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the important fruit crops of Iran with more than 185000 hectares harvested areas, about 875000 tons annual production and 120000 tons fruits export according to FAO reports in 2004 so, in this regards it is the second largest producer country among the main producing countries of the world. Most regions of date palm plantations are located from south west to south east of Iran. In this research, mite fauna associated with the date palm trees in Larestan (Fars province), southern Iran is studied.