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

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Further guidance

• Tarsonemid mites — IPM Foundations

Key natural enemies

• Amblyseius swirskii
• Amblyseius montdorensis

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.