Rust Mites

Scientific group or name: Eriophyidae

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Overview

Rust mites are microscopic eriophyid mites whose feeding causes russeting, bronzing and distorted growth.

Host plants

Fruit crops, tomatoes, ornamentals and many woody hosts.

Identification

They are extremely small and slender and normally require strong magnification. Diagnosis often begins with characteristic bronzing or russet symptoms.

Damage and symptoms

Feeding can reduce leaf function, scar fruit, stunt shoots and lower crop quality.

Lifecycle and favourable conditions

Warm conditions can accelerate development, while sheltered buds and dense canopies help mites persist.

Monitoring

Sample the edge of fresh symptoms and inspect with magnification. Old damage may remain visible after mites have moved.

Management

Use clean propagation material, remove hotspots where practical and avoid unnecessary pesticides that disrupt predatory mites.

Biological control and natural enemies

Several generalist predatory mites may consume exposed rust mites. Performance depends on crop, canopy and mite density.

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

Gall Mites · Tomato Russet Mite

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This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.