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How to Manage PestsUC Pest Management Guidelines
PeachPeach Silver MiteScientific name: Aculus cornutus(Reviewed 4/10, updated 4/10, pesticides updated 9/15) In this Guideline: DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTPeach silver mites are tiny, four-legged eriophyid mites, yellow to pinkish white, and somewhat wedge shaped, being broadest just behind the anterior end. Because they are so tiny, they are difficult to see without a hand lens of at least 10X power. Peach silver mites overwinter as females in bark crevices, around buds, and under bud scales. They move to leaves soon after budbreak in spring. These mites can also be found on small fruit, often inhabiting the area between the calyx and the fruit. Later in the season they are found primarily on the lower leaf surface. Before leaf fall, females move to overwintering sites. Many generations are produced during the season. DAMAGEInjury is not usually noticed until mid- to late summer when heavily infested leaves take on a silvery appearance. MANAGEMENTTreatments applied specifically for control of peach silver mite are rarely needed and should be avoided because peach silver mites serve as early season food for predaceous mites, which in turn aid in reducing populations of other pest mites. The use of broad-spectrum insecticides for other pests can cause high infestations of peach silver mite. Organically Acceptable
Methods Monitoring
and Treatment Decisions
PUBLICATION
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines:
Peach Insects and Mites
J. K. Hasey, UC Cooperative Extension, Sutter and Yuba counties Acknowledgment for contributions to the Insects and Mites:W. J. Bentley, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, ParlierC. Pickel, UC IPM Program, Sutter and Yuba counties R. E. Rice, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier |