Cyclamen mite
Phytonemus pallidus
2 host plants
Last updated
Cyclamen mite feeds on new growth of Arbutus and fuchsia in moist sites, causing puckering, distortion, and browning of leaves and stems. You will not see the mites themselves without magnification, but you cannot miss the symptoms: stunted, curled new growth that appears abnormal. Damage becomes most obvious in spring as new foliage unfolds. Heavy infestations can severely reduce plant vigor and flowering.
Isolate infested plants from susceptible plants to prevent mite spread. Prune out heavily damaged growth to stimulate fresh, healthy foliage production. Increase air circulation and reduce humidity around plants if possible; cyclamen mites thrive in warm, moist conditions. Spray sulfur dust or miticidal soap on new growth as it emerges, repeating every 10 to 14 days through the spring growth period. Discard severely affected plants if they do not respond to management within two weeks.
Quick Reference
The mature mite is tiny, oval, and transparent. The female's hind legs are threadlike. The cyclamen mite is much smaller than the twospotted spider mite and can be seen only with the aid of a hand lens. This mite is found on young, folded leaves along the mid-vein. Mite feeding stunts plants and reduces fruit production. Symptoms are similar to virus symptoms and including stunting and twisting of leaves and buds. Fruit size and yield can be significantly reduced. 'Totem' strawberries are very...
Cultural Controls
- Insects, such as the minute pirate bug and six-spotted thrips, are known to feed on cyclamen mite, as does the western predatory mite (Galendromus occidentalis).
- Releases of other predatory mites such as Amblyseius californicus may be effective if done early enough before populations build.
- Use only clean planting stock in new plantings.
- Remove infested plants as soon as they are seen.
- Mites are easily transferred from infested fields to new...