Insects of Southern Australian Broadacre Farming Systems - Grains ...

Crops attacked/host range
A wide range of agriculturally important plants are
attacked, but cereals, canola, lucerne and pastures
are most susceptible. The three species differ in their
host plant preferences which can sometimes assist
identification. Broadleaf weeds, including cat’s ear and
ox-tongue, are favoured by one species.
Monitoring/sampling
Susceptible crops and pastures should be inspected
regularly, particularly around the time of emergence.
Mites may be present on the tops and undersides of
leaves or on the ground.
Damage symptoms
Blue oat mites penetrate the epidermal cells of plants
and suck out cellular contents using their specialised
mouthparts. This typically results in silvery-grey
patches on plants which can sometimes be mistaken
for frost damage. Feeding can also lead to distorted and
shrivelled leaves, stunted growth and seedling mortality
with a heavy infestation.
Management options
Biological Cultural Chemical
French Anystis mite can suppress
populations in some pastures.
Crop rotations with non-preferred
crops e.g. chickpeas.
Cultivation.
Weed management.
Seed dressings.
Border spraying.
Carefully timed autumn sprays
usually recommended.
Ute Guides, Southern (p. 99)/ Western (p. 76).
Spring spraying using Timerite®
is largely ineffective against blue
oat mites.
SECTION 4 COMMON Pest, Beneficial AND EXOTIC Species
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Insects of Southern Australian Broadacre Farming Systems Identification Manual and Education Resource © 2012