Gall Mites belong to the Eriophyidae family under the class Arachnida, which comprises more than 200 mites that live as parasites on several plant species. They form a gall-like structure on leaves and different plant tissues hence are called Gall Mites. Typically, there are microscopic having two pairs of legs and like worms. Additionally, several mite species attacks and form galls on plant structures, and every species carries a unique name after the plant species attack. For instance, Aculops fuchsiae only attacks the Fuchsia plant, Acalitus essigi makes galls on the red berry and blackberries, Eriophyes padi forms pouch galls on black cherry. Conversely, a few gall mites are also famous for their role as biological control agents against weeds such as, Aceria chondrillae that control field bindweed. Gall Mites live and reproduce within the galls and use their hiding place while searching for new terminal growth to attack.
The majority of Gall mites are of South American origin, and their distribution seems restricted to the oceanic climate in the US. Overall, the tropical and sub-tropical climate patterns favor establishing several species of gall mites. Temperature and day length also plays a vital role in establishing gall mites. Whereas, their prevalence is often observed in the areas with winter and summer temperatures variation between 32 to 50°F. Gall mites may be present in all areas where the host plants exist.
Generally, Gall Mites are miniscule creatures that can't be seen with a naked eye. An adult female mite measures between 200 to 250 microns in length and about 55 to 60 microns in width whereas, a male remains smaller comparatively. Usually, the body shape is like a spindle, and the color comprises several shades of white or pale yellow with two pairs of thin legs. The presence of galls followed by leaf yellowing and distortion and thickening of the plant tissues is the prime indication that gall mites may be present.
Gall Mites reproduction is temperature-dependent, and a temperature rise may trigger the gap between two generations. Although several generations of Gall mites exist from the spring to autumn, the optimum temperature for speedy reproduction remains 65°F. The entire four stages of reproduction could take 21 days to complete. Eggs hatch in about 4 to 7 days at the temperature already mentioned. A female lays up to 50 eggs at a time. The remaining 3-stages larva, nymph, and adults could take another 14 days to mature and female mites ready to lay eggs again. Gall mite's temperature tolerance is not known. However, studies confirm that they survive around 32°F and are often killed when exposed to 21°F for continuous 4-nights. New colonies develop when mites are blown by the wind or carried to other plants by pollinators, birds, animals, and insects.
Gall mite infestations symptoms include the distortion of the leaves and terminal tissue that swell, and the affected parts become red, dark green, or brown depending on the types of the mites and plant species. Such damages stop flowering, new growth compromises, and several sweltering wounds appear on the infected structure. These are the galls containing mites within, which release a hormone that initiates abnormal growth in the plant cells. This abnormal growth or gall formation may be different in size and shape in plant species. However, it's the food source for the mites and protects from the harsh environment, natural enemies, and the pesticides applied for killing them.
Since the plants affected by gall mites fail to reproduce normally, they spend as much time until they feed there. Also, they become resistant to many insecticides due to the covering they adopt. It provides the gall mites a chance to survive and overwinter within the galls and under plant debris and stubbles. Once, the gardeners notice galls on any edible or ornamental plant, the damage is done since the mites that had entered the plant tissue and have formed their feeding and protective structure.
These guidelines may help the gardeners to prevent gall mites entering their garden provided they strictly monitor the movement of plants and planting materials besides working on these lines;
Biological methods for controlling Gall mites are not as effective as some pesticides. Besides taking every care if gall mites infestation goes out of your control, adopt any of the control methods listed below;
Leaf Abscission is the process of shedding leaves, normally. However, it can be induced in affected plants with the help of Ethylene. This process sheds the leaves and other plant parts that carry galls. Usually, new growth observes nearly 80% control. The treated plants also conserve nutrients and moisture. The petiole could initiate sprout growth in the next growing season. Using Ethylene for leaf abscission is a scientifically proven technique. However, only a professional can perform it precisely.
Pruning the affected parts of the plants is also helpful since it detaches the galls from the plants. However, utmost care is required for disposing of such materials away from your garden area. The best time to prune your plants is the optimum temperature that supports gall mites’ reproduction and growth.
Mammoth Insecticide is an ideal product for controlling several insect pests, diseases, and funguses besides controlling mites in greenhouse and soil culture. It contains all-natural ingredients such as Corn Oil (55%), Oleic Acid (30%), and Thyme Oil (15%) in its making. The product formulation is exceptional and dissolves faster in the water for containing an oil base. Its application can suppress gall mites and wouldn't allow them to spread to other plants. The natural ingredients readily decompose without leaving any sorts of harmful residues.
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Add 30 ml of Mammoth insecticide in one gallon of water and target gall mite affected plants.
Another product list with OMRI for organic control of many pests, diseases, and mites in an edible garden. This formulation can be used on garden plants, orchards, and vegetables without the fear of being affected by toxins that often synthetic pesticides contain. Its chemistry includes 10% Sulfur and 0.25% Pyrethrins suitable for organic control. This product may be a good fit to kill gall mites between 50 to 65°F day temperature while they're in reproduction stages. Otherwise, the mites living in the galls will not be affected.
The product is equally good for applying indoors and outdoors. It’s in a ready-to-use formulation and needs only connecting a garden hose.
This product contains 50% malathion that can be used only on long maturing vegetables and fruits. Otherwise, toxicity remains intact in the edible parts. However, it's an excellent product to suppress and control a majority of pests including gall mites. It can be applied as a foliar spray on the affected areas of the plants. Direct application on the galls formed on the fruits and ornamental plants is also recommended. Overall, some states may have restrictions on its use. Also, check product labels and local regulations before proceeding with any sort of purchase.
Add 4 to 5 ounces of the product concentrate per gallon of water and spray thoroughly on the affected plant parts, both indoors and outdoors.
Beethoven is a total release insecticide that contains 5% Etoxazole as an active ingredient. It's a newly-released product from BASF that offers excellent control over Red Spider mites and Gall mites. Additionally, it suppresses whiteflies as well. Beethoven comes in an easy-to-use aerosol that provides thorough coverage within the greenhouses and outdoors. Overall, the product is not recommended for short maturing edible plants with a maximum of two applications per cropping cycle.
The gardeners may point the aerosol release point towards gall and spray them directly.
Check out our other guides on common garden bugs.
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