Pest identification
and confirmation—Pear rust mites
Pear rust mites are very small -- only about 0.2 mm
long, so you need at least a 14X lens to see them.
Pear rust mite is often not detected until after damage
had occurred. The russetting on the fruit becomes visible
around late May or June, when pears have increased in
size and turned down. On occasion, late-season populations
of pear rust mites may be present but feeding only on
tender foliage.
Don't confuse rust mites with spider
mites, which are rounder and larger, usually have two spots,
and often produce webbing. Predatory
mites are clear and move rapidly. |
Inspect with a hand lens for mites |
Webbing
of leaves |
Spider
mite |
|
