Mites

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Pest and pest injury identification
Cut rose
Mites

Mites

Mites are very harmful to the foliage. Population outbreaks are very quick, favoured by warming and low humidity conditions. Contaminations are due to plant contact and human transport.

The currrent species on rose crops is the "two-spotted mite" Tetranychus urticae Koch (see fig.1) but the European red mite Panonychus ulmi Koch is also present.

Adult, larvae and eggs of Tetranychus urticae

Adult, larvae and eggs of Tetranychus urticae (x 30) (Copyright Christiane METAY-MERRIEN, INRA-URIH).
Adult of Panonychus ulmi Koch

Adult of Panonychus ulmi Koch (Copyright Christiane METAY-MERRIEN, INRA-URIH).

The currrent species on rose crops is the "two-spotted mite" Tetranychus urticae Koch but the European red mite Panonychus ulmi Koch is also present. Adults of these species are respectively clear with two spots on the back or red-brown.

Eggs of Panonychus ulmi Koch

Eggs of Panonychus ulmi Koch (Copyright Christiane METAY-MERRIEN, INRA-URIH).

When searching for eggs and larvae you need a lens because of their very small size and translucent aspect, whereas adults can be observed directly on the leaves. A quick sampling method consists in tapping the foliage on a white paper sheet.

Disease of Tetranychus urticae (Koch) on young rose's shoot

Disease of Tetranychus urticae (Koch) on young rose's shoot  (Copyright Christiane METAY-MERRIEN, INRA-URIH).
Web of Tetranychus urticae (Koch) on a rose leaf

Web of Tetranychus urticae (Koch) on a rose leaf  (Copyright Christiane METAY-MERRIEN, INRA-URIH).

Presence of mites leads to visible discolorations on the foliage and on the flowers. Serious proliferation leads to cobwebs on the plants.

Natural enemies

Natural enemies are predator mites, bugs, flies or ladybird.

Modification date : 25 April 2023 | Publication date : 03 September 2013 | Redactor : Roger BOLL, Christiane METAY-MERRIEN et Séverine DOISE (INRA-URIH)