Red Berry Mite
Overview
Red berry mite is an eriophyid mite associated mainly with blackberry and cane fruit crops.
It feeds within fruit and flower tissue and may contribute to uneven ripening and poor fruit quality.
Commonly affected crops
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include:
- uneven ripening
- red drupelets
- poor berry colour
- reduced fruit quality
- patchy ripening
Symptoms are often most obvious during harvest.
Conditions favouring red berry mite
| Condition | Risk |
|---|---|
| Dense cane growth | High |
| Poor airflow | Moderate |
| Carryover cane material | Moderate–High |
Monitoring
Inspect: - fruit clusters - uneven berries - ripening fruit - carryover cane areas
IPM approach
Useful strategies: - pruning hygiene - airflow improvement - reducing carryover material - regular inspections during ripening
Related BioWiki pages
Key message
Red berry mite damage is often first noticed during harvest when uneven ripening becomes visible.