Citrus bud mite—Eriophyes sheldoni
Severely deformed foliage, blossoms, or fruit are the first clues to bud mite infestations. Citrus bud
mite is very small, elongated, and somewhat tapered at the posterior end, and has four legs at the front
end near the mouth. It feeds within buds and is difficult to see.
Identification of species
Damage
Citrus bud mites feed inside the buds, killing them or causing a rosettelike growth of the subsequent
foliage and distortion of flowers and fruit, which may or may not reduce yield. They are a problem especially
on lemons along the coast.
Solutions
In backyard situations, predatory
mites usually keep bud mites under fairly good control. Petroleum
oil sprays applied prior to bloom may provide some control
of citrus bud mites. Late-fall oil sprays may also provide control of mites; however, once fruit is set, damage has already occurred and cannot
be corrected.
|
Bud mites feed inside developing buds |
Misshapen
fruit |
Distorted
blossoms |
|
