Prunus rust mite
Aculus fockeui
1 host plant
Last updated
On cherry plum trees, look for upward-curled mature leaves with brown or bronze undersurfaces; young foliage may show small yellow spots followed by shothole damage. These tiny mites feed on leaf surfaces, and while damage is rarely severe on vigorous trees, young unsprayed specimens can show noticeable leaf deformation and chlorotic flecking. The mites are barely visible without magnification.
Rust mites are seldom a management concern on established trees. Maintain vigor through proper irrigation and avoid stress. On young trees with significant leaf damage, apply dormant oil in early spring to target overwintering mites. Chemical control is typically unnecessary on healthy plants.
Quick Reference
The adult mite is a typical eriophyid mite with a cylindrical body, yellow in color early on but changing to brownish yellow or tan with age. The adults are minute and can barely be seen with the naked eye when placed against a black background. Immature mites are similar in structure to the adults but smaller and white. The mites feed on the surface of the leaf with piercing-sucking mouthparts, sucking fluids from the cells. Mature foliage may be curled upward or dwarfed. The lower surfaces of...