Pest identification
and confirmation—Tomato russet mite
Tomato russet mites are very small -- only about 0.2 mm
long, so you need at least a 14X lens to see them. Damage
would first be present mid- to late summer when plants are
half-grown or longer. Damage typically
begins on stems and spreads upward. Fruit are usually not
attached, but defoliation may expose them to sunburn. If
you see damaged leaves, check them for mites. Also check
some green leaves just above damaged
ones; the mites may move up the plant above the most obvious
damage.
Don't confuse russet mites with spider mites, which are rounder and larger, usually have two spots,
and often produce webbing. Predatory mites are clear and move rapidly.
|
Inspect leaves with a hand lens for mites |
Webbing
of leaves |
Spider
mite |
|
