The European red mite (Panonychus ulmi), also known as the fruit tree red mite attacks fruit trees but can also be a problem in grape vines, ornamentals and roses. The European red mite does not produce large amounts of webbing like the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). The female lays its eggs on the leaves and overwinters in the egg stage. In temperate climates, the “winter eggs” are laid in the wooden parts of the host plants in autumn.
Damage
The mobile stages (nymphs and adults) suck the cell contents from the leaves of the host plant cell by cell, leaving tiny, pale spots or scars where the green epidermal tissue is destroyed. Although the individual lesions are very small (commensurate with the small size of the mites) the frequently-observed attack of hundreds or thousands of spider mites may cause thousands of lesions and thus significantly reduce the photosynthetic capability of trees and plants, greatly reducing their production of nutrients, sometimes resulting in plant death.
There are specific natural enemies for different species of mites.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.
