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Ornamentals and Turf |
Broad mites infest a variety of ornamental plants such as African violets, ageratum, azaleas, begonias, gerberas, gloxinias, lantana, marigolds, snapdragons, verbena, zinnia, etc. Broad mites are so small that they are almost imperceptible on the host plants even with a good hand lens. The mites tend to crowd into the crevices and buds and feed on the growing tips. Their toxic saliva causes twisted, hardened and distorted growth in the terminal of the plant. The effects of their feeding may persist long after the mites have been eradicated.
For commercial growers we currently recommend Avid, Akari (greenhouse only), Pylon, Sanmite (for those of you with money to burn), and Scimitar for control of broad mites and cyclamen mites. Of these pesticides, only Avid is translaminar to any degree, meaning that it is slightly systemic through the leaves. Homeowners can discard plants, prune heavily, apply a Neem based product, or try a hot bath for the plant (at 115 degrees F for 15 minutes). Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 28 gives some additional information on the biology and control of broad mites.
(Note: If you would like to build your own 3-D broad mite that you can see without a lens, Ellen Reeves recommends the following site on the Internet: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/weirdscience/story7/miteprint.htm.)
In an earlier issue of the North Carolina Pest News, we mentioned the occurrence of moles in the lawn. If the influx of snakes in your yard due to the high water has not controlled your pests, the North Carolina State University Wildlife Extension has a web site with the latest suggestions for management of voles, chipmunks, alligators, wild pigs and other animals. The web site is located at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/wildlife/wdc/index.html.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on June 30, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.