Broad Mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) seem to be a regular occurrence nowadays in spring crops, especially Reiger begonias and New Guinea impatiens. Other crops that are commonly affected include torenia, exacum, ipomea and gerbera.
Broad mite are often difficult to detect and control. Read on for tips on monitoring and the latest management strategies for this pest.
Monitoring
Unfortunately, broad mite’s small size (0.2 mm) means that spotting the mite is near impossible using just a hand lens. Damage is usually the first sign a grower sees, so susceptible crops should be walked and inspected regularly. Damage can occur at very low mite densities, and often doesn’t occur for a good 20 to 30 days after the crop has already been infested.
Click here to see what typical damage can look like at onfloriculture.com