Crop Profile for Strawberries in California - Regional IPM Centers

uncontrolled, this mite can prevent plants from producing fruit.
Description of Pest. At low population densities, cyclamen mites are usually found along the midvein
of young unfolded leaves and under the calyx of newly emerged flower buds; when populations
increase, these mites can be found anywhere on nonexpanded plant tissue. Cyclamen mites are primarily
pests in second year plantings and are not visible to the naked eye. Adult female cyclamen mites
overwinter in the strawberry crown.
Monitoring. Growers monitor unfolding leaves to identify the presence of mites. When one cyclamen
mite/10 leaves is identified chemical treatment is indicated.
Cultural:
Controls
● Precautions in Transportation. Cyclamen mites can easily be transferred from one location to
another by pickers, bees, birds, and equipment, including strawberry freezer trays. Cyclamen
mite infested nursery plants can be a source of this pest in strawberry production areas. Growers
should insist upon uninfested nursery stock. When nursery stock plants are known to be infested
by cyclamen mites, they are treated in hot water at 100°F for 30 minutes before planting. Freezer
trays are also dipped in hot water between fields. Fresh clothing for field workers is also
recommended.
● Crop Rotation. Second year plantings, particularly those in infested fields, should be avoided in
problem areas (problem area locations are rotated through other crops). To slow the spread of
infestations, infested plants are removed as soon as symptoms appear.
● Dust Reduction. Road and field dust reduction can also be important in inhibiting mite
infestation. Dusty plants are a more desirable habitat for these pests. Roads and adjacent areas
can be watered down.
Biological:
● General Predators. Two natural predator mites of cyclamen mite are Typhlodromus bellinus and
Typhlodromus reticulatus, but they often do not provide economic control and are easily
disrupted by insecticides. The sixspotted thrips can be an important natural enemy since this
thrips can feed on cyclamen mites when they become very prevalent.
Chemical:
To control cyclamen mites, a high rate of water per acre (300-500 gal) is necessary to soak the unfolded
leaves and immature flower buds located in the crowns. Growers sometimes remove or treat infested hot
spots by hand-sprayer to suppress infestations to avoid treating the entire field. In nurseries, early-season