Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

ERIOPHID MITE ON MEXICAN PETUNIA

Mexican Petunia, Tampa, FL, 28°01’19.4″N 82°37’00.9″W

Young leaf of Mexican petunia covered in white, velvety masses, similar to powdery mildew (fungus) or mealybugs (sucking insects), induced by tiny mites, called eriophyid mites, impossible to see with the naked eye (Leonard-Mularz, 2022). A single species of eriophyid, Acalitus simplex (Acari, Eriophyoidea), is reported associated with Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex C. Wright (Acanthaceae)) (Ventura et al., 2018).

Micromites cause the plant to produce white, velvety masses on the leaves and stems. This distorted tissue provides shelter to the mites as they continue to feed (Leonard-Mularz, 2022).

Leaves and branches of Mexican Petunia, Tampa, FL, 28°01’19.4″N 82°37’00.9″W, with white masses induced by the mite, and purple flower.

Deformed leaves of Mexican Petunia, Tampa, FL, 28°01’19.4″N 82°37’00.9″W, with mite-induced white masses.

Deformed leaves of Mexican Petunia, Tampa, FL, 28°01’19.4″N 82°37’00.9″W, with mite-induced white masses; leaves in the background are from another plant (boldo, Coleus sp.).

Deformed leaves of Mexican Petunia, Tampa, FL, 28°01’19.4″N 82°37’00.9″W, with mite-induced white masses; leaves in the background are from another plant (boldo, Coleus sp.).

Deformed leaves of Mexican Petunia, Tampa, FL, 28°01’19.4″N 82°37’00.9″W, with mite-induced white masses; leaves in the background are from another plant (boldo, Coleus sp.).

These mites won’t kill the plants, but they won’t look attractive either. Mites prefer hot, dry conditions. During periods of new growth, applications of an agricultural mineral oil can be used as a preventative measure, as these tender parts of the plant are preferred by mites. However, damage can also appear on older leaves, stems and flower petioles. For existing infestations, heavy pruning followed by repeated spray applications will protect new foliage. Irrigation and fertilization should be reduced or eliminated at this time because this will promote more growth and therefore more infestations. Care must be taken when using horticultural oils, as phytotoxicity can occur at high temperatures, especially midday applications (Leonard-Mularz, M. 2022).

About the Author

Eng. Agr. Valmir Duarte

Ph.D. Plant Health (LSU, USA), CREA-RS 29.404, Full Professor of Phytopathology (UFRGS, Retired), Lattes Curriculum: http://lattes.cnpq.br/6204200065048092, Director of PHOM – Plant Health Open Market

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fale comigo!
Scan the code