This study investigated the effects of acaricides/pesticides against Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), which damages the passion fruit, and the effect of high temperature on its survival. Machine oil (97%) and polyglycerol esters of fatty acids are the effective acaricides/insecticides that are permitted to be used against B. phoenicis in the cultivation of the passion fruit in Japan. Milbemectin, a mixture of avermectin and etoxazole, pyridaben, and a mixture of cyenopyrafen and pyridaben, which are not permitted for use in the cultivation of the passion fruit in Japan, were also found to be highly effective against B. phoenicis.

At 48°C, the mortality rate of B. phoenicis that could hydrate from leaves was 0% even after 300 min. However, without hydration, the mortality rates were 93.8% after 60 min and 100% after 90 min. Furthermore, 100% mortality was observed within 30 min at 55°C without hydration. Brevipalpus phoenicis requires water to survive under high temperatures, and it was believed that it could be controlled in a short time if the source of water supply could be cut off at high temperatures.

The results suggested that cuttings or saplings should be treated with acaricides/pesticides. Moreover, drying of the extracted passion fruit at high temperature before disposal is essential. By practicing these countermeasures, it would be possible to prevent the spread of B. phoenicis to outdoors and other crops.