CMS P/L
is first in Integrated Pest Management. It brings you the
Pest of the Month of May,
the ...
Red Legged Earth Mites.
Description:
Adults are 1 mm long, with black, velvety body and eight red legs.
Young instars are 0.2 mm long and pale in colour with six legs.
They can move very quickly.
Red legged earth mites are an autumn and spring pest of many crops.
They lacerate the plant surface and suck up the exuding sap.
Feeding causes silvering, whitening of leaves and stunted growth.
Ants and spiders are possible natural enemies.
Control:
Well tilled fields generally suffer less attack.
Watch for opening rain and treat 15 days later (10/5/2007).
Monitor edges of field and treat edges only if necessary.
