BioWiki / Pests

Broad mite

Broad mite

Overview

Broad mites can deform new growth and are often missed until damage is visible.

Symptoms

  • Distorted, stunted new growth
  • Brittle leaves, bronzing
  • Damage focused on growing points

Conditions that increase risk

  • Warm conditions
  • Movement on plant material/tools

IPM notes

  • Act early once suspected
  • Avoid unnecessary disruption to beneficials

Further guidance

  • Tarsonemid Mites — Ipm Foundations

Key natural enemies

Environmental drivers

  • Can flare under warm, protected conditions (often in dense canopies).
  • Symptoms may be worse where plant growth is soft and rapid.
  • Difficult to detect early; damage can appear before populations are obvious.