Infestation of Aglaonema by new type of mite has been observed in the USA. The species of mite has not yet been fully identified but it looks to be a species of Brevipalpus that ordinarily infects Citrus, Gardenia, Hibiscus, Viburnum and some other plant varieties. On Aglaonema this mite causes a fine reddish brown bronzing of the upper leaf surfaces. The discoloration is observed mainly towards the basal end of the leaf though it can occur elsewheer on the leaf. It looks similar to the effects of exposure to temperatures too high or too low. The ‘bronzing effect’ appears to be caused by the mite feeding where numerous puncture wounds coalesce to form the coloration. This Brevipalpus mite tends to be found on the upper leaf surface whereas most mites infest the lower surface. Brevipalpus mites also congregate in the folds of the leaf petioles of Aglaonema. The mite is controlled by applying an appropraite insecticide plus wetting agent. Alternatively, some species of Brevipalpus can be controlled by the beneficial insect predator Phyteseilus. Lynn Griffith, GrowerTalks www.growertalks.com |
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