Citrus bud mite

Eriophyes sheldoni

Eriophyes sheldoni, commonly known as the Tomato Russet Mite, is a microscopic mite that can be a pest of tomato plants and other Solanaceae crops. Here's an overview of its characteristics and management:

Overview:

Eriophyes sheldoni, the Tomato Russet Mite, belongs to the Eriophyidae family. These mites are tiny and, unlike most mites, have only two pairs of legs during their active feeding stages.

Detailed Appearance:

The Tomato Russet Mite is so small that it is not visible to the naked eye. It is less than 0.2 mm in length. The mites have a spindle-shaped body with two pairs of legs and a distinctive appearance under a microscope.

Life Cycle:

The life cycle of Eriophyes sheldoni includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. These mites overwinter as eggs on plant debris. As temperatures rise, they become active, and feeding damage can occur during the warm seasons. Infestations often peak in hot and dry conditions.

Identifying Infested Plants:

  1. Leaf Bronzing: The feeding of Tomato Russet Mites causes the affected leaves to exhibit a bronzed or russet appearance, particularly on the upper surface.

  2. Leaf Curling: Infested leaves may exhibit curling or rolling, and they may become brittle.

  3. Reduced Plant Growth: Severe infestations can lead to reduced plant growth, diminished fruit quality, and even death of the plant under extreme conditions.

Additional Identification Features:

  1. Microscopic Examination: Identification of Tomato Russet Mites typically requires a microscope due to their extremely small size.

Management:

  1. Cultural Practices: Practice good garden hygiene by removing plant debris and weeds that may harbor mites. This can help reduce overwintering sites.

  2. Water Management: Maintain adequate watering to avoid water stress in plants. Tomato Russet Mites thrive in dry conditions, and maintaining proper soil moisture can help reduce their impact.

  3. Predatory Mites: Introduce predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, which feed on pest mites. However, their effectiveness may vary based on environmental conditions.

  4. Miticide Application: If infestations are severe, miticides labeled for tomato russet mite control may be used. Follow recommended application rates and consider the impact on beneficial insects.

  5. Early Detection: Regularly monitor plants for symptoms and signs of infestation. Early detection allows for prompt action and can prevent the build-up of large populations.

By incorporating these identification features and management strategies, growers can effectively detect and control Eriophyes sheldoni infestations, helping to protect tomato plants from the damaging effects of the Tomato Russet Mite.