Broad Mites
Broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) are microscopic pest mites that feed on the growing points of a wide variety of crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucurbits, ornamentals, and cannabis. Despite their tiny size, they can cause severe deformation and stunted growth in young leaves, flowers, and fruits. Because they feed on new growth, infestations are often noticed too late, when symptoms are already visible.
Both nymphs and adults are active feeders. They inject toxins into plant tissues while feeding, which leads to leaf curling, discoloration, and abnormal development. Broad mites thrive in greenhouses, high-humidity environments, and protected cultivation systems.
Recognize the signs of infestation
Look for distorted, thickened plant tissues. Microscopic inspection is required to confirm presence.
- Distorted or twisted leaves: Young leaves curl upward or downward, sometimes appearing shiny or brittle.
- Stunted growth: New shoots and buds are smaller than usual and may fail to develop normally.
- Discoloration: Leaves may show bronzing, darkening, or a silvery sheen.
- Flower and fruit malformation: Infested flowers may drop prematurely, and fruits can become deformed.
- Slow detection: Due to their tiny size (less than 0.2 mm), mites are often detected only after visible damage occurs.
- Sticky or shiny new growth: Damage often appears at the plant apex where the mites concentrate their feeding.
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