Bryobia Mite
Overview
Bryobia Mites are members of the spider mite family (Tetranychidae).
There are several species in the southern states of Australia and their economic importance has increased in recent years due to the reduced usage of broad-spectrum insecticides in pastures, grains such as canola, and a range of tree crops including almond, apples and pears.
The adult Bryobia Mite is brown and has significantly longer front legs than other spider mites that are red/orange in colour. Eggs are red and found on the stems and branches of tree crops.
Bryobia Mite use weeds to enter and spread within orchards and fields. They are more active during warm and dry summers.
Why you need to control Bryobia Mite
Bryobia Mite will damage the foliage of your tree crops. In severe cases it may cause leaf drop without any direct fruit damage but usually doesn't defoliate trees like Two-Spotted Mites.
Damage in pastures and grains will vary by crop, but Bryobia Mite can be very destructive to the foliage of newly established field crops.
Beneficial predators to control Bryobia Mite among crops
Biological Services has products to help you control Bryobia Mite in orchard crops and can design a program incorporating Typhlodromus doreenae (Doreen) and Neoseiulus californicus (Californicus).
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.