Common Name: Broad mites
Scientific Name: Polyphagotarsonemus latus
Order and Family: Trombidiformes, Tarsonemidae
Broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) are highly polyphagous pests, infesting a wide variety of plant species. They affect over 60 plant families, making them a significant concern for many crops. Some of the most commonly affected plants include:
Vegetables: Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Eggplants
Ornamental Plants: Begonias, Gerberas, African Violets
Damage
Broad mites can cause severe damage to these plants, leading to stunted growth, deformed leaves, and reduced yields. Their feeding damage can be easily confused with plant diseases or nutritional deficiencies due to the similarity in symptoms. Key signs and symptoms of broad mite infestation include:
Leaf Deformation: Curled, twisted, and distorted growth, particularly in young leaves. Leaves may become thickened, hardened, and brittle.
Discoloration: Leaves may exhibit a bronze or rust coloration, often starting from the undersides. Affected areas may show a stippled or speckled appearance.
Flower Damage: Emerging flower buds may be distorted and discolored.Flowers may fail to open properly, appear misshapen, or be aborted altogether.
General Plant Health: Stunted growth and reduced vigor. Terminal buds may die, leading to bushier, malformed plant growth. The overall plant may appear unhealthy and stressed.
Identification
Identification through Eggs: : Broad mite eggs are oval-shaped with a unique feature: they are covered with white, dot-like bumps on their surface, giving them a jeweled, translucent appearance under a microscope.
Location of Eggs: Broad mites prefer to lay their eggs on the undersides of young leaves or near the growing tips of the plant. These areas provide a sheltered environment for the developing eggs and larvae.
Importance of Egg Identification: Identifying the eggs and recognizing their distinctive texture can help confirm a broad mite infestation early on. Early detection is crucial for implementing targeted and effective control measures, preventing significant damage to the plants.
Life cycle
Adult Females: Adult female broad mites live on average for about 13 days. During their lifespan, females lay approximately 5 eggs. These eggs are typically deposited on the undersides of young leaves or near the growing tips of the plant. The eggs are translucent with white, dot-like bumps on their surface, making them appear jeweled under a microscope.
Egg Stage: The eggs hatch within 2-3 days. Upon hatching, tiny larvae emerge and begin feeding immediately.
Larval Stage: The larvae remain near where they hatched, feeding on the plant tissue. This stage lasts for another 2-3 days before the larvae transition to the next stage.
Quiescent Stage: After the larval stage, the mites enter a quiescent (resting) stage. During this period, they do not feed and prepare for the next stage of development.
Male Behavior: Males develop their four pairs of legs during the quiescent stage. Once they become active again, males begin to move around and pick up female mites to disperse them to new areas of the plant. This behavior helps spread the infestation. Males immediately mate with the females as soon as they emerge from the quiescent stage.
Biocontrol
Predatory mites SwiLiv (A. Swirskii) and CaliLiv (N.californicus) are the most effective for broad mite prevention. Adding these mites early in the season will help prevent broad mites outbreaks before they occur.
