Pear rust mite—Epitrimerus
pyri
Adult pear rust mites are tiny whitish brown, wedge-shaped mites.
Identification of species | Life cycle
Damage
Pear rust mites feed on the surface of fruit and foliage, causing a bronzing of the tissue. Injury
to leaves may stunt the growth of young trees. After petal fall, populations may develop on fruit
around the calyx or stem end, giving a localized russetting to those areas; russetting may spread
over the entire fruit surface.
Solutions
In backyard situations, natural
enemies usually keep pear rust mites under fairly
good control. Damage does not generally justify treatment
in backyard trees. If treatment is necessary, best
control is achieved with a fall application of sulfur or lime
sulfur and oil in
November. |
Adult pear rust mites |
Darkening of leaves |
Russetting on fruit |
|
