Bulb Mites
Scientific group or name: Rhizoglyphus species
Overview
Bulb mites are small pale mites that feed on bulbs and other underground storage organs, especially where tissue is already damaged or diseased.
Host plants
Bulbs, corms, tubers and damaged underground plant tissue.
Identification
Adults are shiny, oval and translucent-white with brown legs. They are usually found between bulb scales or in decaying tissue.
Damage and symptoms
Feeding contributes to softening, browning, poor rooting and collapse. Mites can also move fungal and bacterial contaminants.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Warm, moist conditions, damaged bulbs and decaying organic matter favour multiplication.
Monitoring
Inspect bulb bases and between scales using magnification. Separate mites from the primary rot or wound that may have allowed entry.
Management
Use clean planting material, minimise wounds, remove rotting bulbs and keep storage and propagation areas clean.
Biological control and natural enemies
Soil predatory mites may attack exposed bulb mites, but sanitation and removal of damaged material remain central.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.