How to Manage Pests

Wheat curl mite—Eriophyes tulipae

Wheat curl mites are microscopic white, wormlike organisms about 1/4 mm long. The legs are very small and located near the head. These mites feed on liliaceous bulbs, cereal grains, and wild grasses.

Damage

This mite is primarily a pest of stored bulbs; its feeding causes stored onions and garlic to desiccate. Wheat curl mite is a vector of rot-causing organisms in both the garden and storage. Heavy infestations result in streaking and twisting of garlic leaves and reduce plant stand as well as yield.

Solutions

Gardens rotated into onions or garlic from corn may have higher levels of wheat curl mites. Flood irrigation or heavy winter rains may reduce populations. Avoid planting successive onion or garlic crops.