Sweetpotato gall mite (138)

Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds - Online edition

Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds

Sweetpotato gall mite (138)

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Photo 1. Severe infection of galls caused by the sweetpotato gall mite, Eriophyes gastrotrichus, on stems and petioles of sweetpotato.

Photo 2. Galls caused by the sweetpotato gall mite, Eriophyes gastrotrichus, on petioles of sweetpotato. Some of the galls grow up to 10 mm long and 5 mm wide.

Photo 3. Growers often plant cuttings that have galls on them, not realising that the galls contain mites, which may reduce plant vigour and consequently the yield of the plants.

Summary

Widespread distribution. South and Southeast Asia, Oceania. On sweetpotato and weeds in Ipomoea (morning glory) family. Probably reduces yield, but not known).
Eggs laid in the galls, nymphs hatch, later becoming wormlike, white, cylindrical, tapering adults.
Irregular growths (the galls) on the stems, leaves and leaf stalks, varying from 2-10 mm long and 1-5 mm wide. A microscope is needed to see the mites.
Spread occurs on cutting used for planting.
Cultural control: use only gall-free cuttings; cut off any vines with galls; weed; destroy volunteer sweetpotatoes; collect vines after harvest and burn.
Chemical control: no trials reported; try abamectin.

Common Name

Sweetpotato gall mite

Scientific Name

Eriophyes gastrotrichus

Figure. The mites are microscopic, too small to be seen by the naked eye; they are 0.15 mm long and 0.05 mm wide, tapering to the rear end.

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information (and Figure) from Amante V, et al. (2003). A field guide to the sweetpotato problems in the Philippines. The University of Queensland (https://www.soilwealth.com.au/imagesDB/news/Sweet-Potato-Pest-and-Disease-Guide.pdf); and from Ekman J, Lovatt J (2015) Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Sweetpotato: A Field Identification Guide. (https://www.soilwealth.com.au/imagesDB/news/Sweet-Potato-Pest-and-Disease-Guide.pdf).

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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