This document discusses the European red mite, a major pest of tree fruits. It is considered the most important and difficult pest to control by many fruit growers. The mite was introduced from Europe to North America in the early 1900s. It feeds on plants like coffee, cotton, apple, almond and peach. Management includes maintaining plant diversity to support natural enemies, pruning severely infested parts, and using biological or chemical controls when thresholds are met.
3. .
• The european red mite is a major tree fruit pest,
especially in the eastern U. S, and is considered
by many growers to be their most important and
sometimes most difficult pest to control. The mite
was introduced to north america from europe in
the early l900's and is now established in most
fruit growing areas.
6. .
• The european red mite overwinters in the egg
stage. Hatching occurs in early spring, usually
during the pink stage.
• Six-legged larvae hatch from the eggs which are
initially a pale orange. The larvae molt to eight-
legged protonymphs.
• The adult stage lasts for about 19 days (varies
with temperature) in which time females lay on
average 20 eggs.
8. NOD
• Under mild infestation, light bronze speckles
appear on the leaves along the main veins .
• Leaves can curl upwards and the foliage takes a
bronzed or rust-brown discoloration.
• Poor shoot growth, insufficient development of
wood, poor ripening of fruits or premature drop.
9.
10. MANAGEMENT
• Maintain a high variety of different plants to stimulate
populations of antagonists.
• In case of severe infestation, affected plant parts
should be cut off.
• Biological control by predator mites, glassy-winged
mirid bug (hyaliodes vitripennis) or stethorus punctum.
• Use miticides (based on thresholds) or horticultural
mineral oil to reduce numbers during the summer
period.
