- Distribution not well known. Caribbean, Brazil, Oceania. On ornamental Hibiscus and okra. A major pest affecting appearance.
- Mites live in the buds where feeding stimulates bumpy light green galls on leaves, petioles and young stems. Gall surface has felt-like hairs.
- Spread in wind, on cuttings, birds and insects.
- Natural enemies: predatory mites.
- Cultural control: healthy cuttings; prune mite-affected parts; tolerant varieties.
- Chemical control: PDPs: garlic or derris; or sulphur, white oil, or abamectin. Note predatory mites will be killed by application of pesticides.
Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds - Online edition
Pacific Pests, Pathogens, Weeds & Pesticides
Hibiscus mite (266)
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Summary
Common Name
Hibiscus mite, hibiscus erineum mite, hibiscus leaf-crumpling mite. The word 'erineum' is a botanical term meaning tuft of hairs. This describes the felt-like appearance of the galls.
Scientific Name
Eriophyes hibisci. Some accounts place the mite in the genus Aceria.
AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information from Hara A, et al. (2001) Hibiscus erineum mite. Cooperative Extension Service, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa; and Green C, Gough N (2000) Hibiscus erinose mite. Centre for Amenity and Environmental Horticulture, Department of Primary Industries, Cleveland, Queensland. (http://www.hibiscusworld.com/pests/Erinose.htm). Photos 1-3 Richard Markham, ACIAR, Canberra. Photos 4-6 Frank Visser, Key Industries, New Zealand.
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.
