From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist with North Carolina State University

Maple Mites

Mid-summer damage to maples is often attributed to the two-spotted spider mite. However, I visited several nurseries this week and found the culprit was actually the maple mite, Oligonychus aceris.

This mite feeds on maples and causes severe damage to maple leaves in midsummer. Leaves are yellow and stippled and mite debris is evident on the underside of leaves. Growers report more damage on “Autumn Blaze” than other maple varieties. However it is common on October Glory and most commonly grown varieties.

Management recommendations are the same as for the two-spotted spider mite discussed in previous articles in the June 5, 2009 and June 26, 2009 North Carolina Pest News. However, to my knowledge no efficacy tests have been conducted on this particular species. Remember that any damage done to the leaves will remain for the rest of the season and will not be corrected by treatments, nor will the debris wash off from treatments or irrigation. Therefore, be sure to determine if live mites are present before repeating a treatment bases on damage or debris.

Thanks to Amie Newsome for the info.

Posted via email from jocoplants’s posterous