Florida surveys for red palm mite

Florida officials are continuing to survey Palm Beach County after the red palm mite was discovered in December. The detection marked the first confirmed report of the pest in the United States.

The red palm mite attacks date palm, areca palm, coconut palm and banana. It’s also been observed on heliconias, gingers, bird-of-paradise and screw pine.

The pest establishes colonies on the undersides of leaves. The adults, especially the females, are usually visible with the naked eye. When mites are feeding, especially at high densities, there is localized yellowing of the leaves followed by tissue death.

The mite was discovered in Palm Beach County on a coconut palm by a member of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program.

The mite is red and has a long, flattened body. It lacks the webbing associated with many spider mites.

Transport of infested plants or plant material appears to be the major mode of spread for this mite. It also is dispersed on the wind.

Federal and state agriculture officials are working with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to develop treatment protocols. Predatory mites (Phytoseiidae), predatory beetles (Chrysomelidae) and lacewings have been used successfully for control in other parts of the world.

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For more: Cal Welbourn, FDACS, (352) 372-3505; www.doacs.state.fl.us.