Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus) are tiny mites (less than 0.5mm long) that feed on plant sap by penetrating the plant tissue with its piercing-sucking mouth parts. The mites are mostly found on the underside of leaves, within the flower buds, growing tips and young folded leaves, away from direct sunlight.
Damage
Cyclamen mites are active all year round in greenhouses and larvae, nymphs as well as adults feed and cause damage.
Some of the visual markers for cyclamen mite damage are the curling-up of young leaf edges, which become crisper and harden; flowers that become crisper, develop asymmetrically and have difficulty opening. Deformation and discoloration of leaf stalks, leaves, fruits and flowers are a result of cyclamen mite infestation.
There are specific natural enemies for different species of mites.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.
