Orchid Information - Mites on Cultivated Orchids
Orchids
Paul J. Johnson, Ph.D.
Insect Research Collection
Box 2207A, South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Last update: 22 November 2008
Yellow speckles or browning of leaves on your orchids? Webbing of silk on various
plant parts and no spiders to be seen? Consider mites as possible culprits. Mites are tiny
creatures related to spiders and ticks, and are not insects. Plant-feeding mites can be
thought of as plant parasites and are often amongst the most serious pests of cultivated
orchids. Common orchid cultural conditions in homes and hobby greenhouses can favor
mites, and the use of pesticides removes natural predators and allows development of
resistant populations.
Sources and Identification
Mite species that are pests on cultivated orchids generally fall
into two main categories, spider mites, and flat mites. The latter
are also called false spider mites, but the name flat mite is
preferred as it is accurately descriptive and avoids confusion
with spider mites. There are other pest species of mites, but
they are generally of less importance.
The most common spider mite recognized as a persistent pest of
orchids is the common two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus
urticae), but the carmine spider mite (Tetranychus
cinnabarinus) may be an unrecognized pest species in North America. The spider mites
are a yellowish-green and usually with two large dark areas on either side of the body at
about midlength. They are active species that is easily seen wandering the plants. Spider
mites received their name because of the silk webbing that they produce, not because
they may appear like small spiders. The two-spotted is also known by other common
names, including the “red spider mite” because of an orange-red over-wintering form.
However, it is possible that in some cases the red form of the two-spotted may actually be
the carmine spider mite. Both species are global, feed on many kinds of plants
(polyphagous), and are easily transported on many kinds of plants.
Flat mites recognized as pests on orchids are the orchid mite (Tenuipalpus orchidarum),
the phalaenopsis mite (Tenuipalpus pacificus) and the oncidium mite (Brevipalpus
oncidii). Tenuipalpus orchidofilo was described recently and was reported as a pest of
Arundina graminifolia in Brazil, but there are
apparently no reports of this species elsewhere.
Three other species are recorded from orchids,
Brevipalpus phoenicis (red and black mite), B.
californicus (omnivorous mite), and B. russulus,
but these reports are not verified and may
represent misidentifications. Flat mites are
native to tropical and subtropical habitats and
hosts, and are moved globally by the plant
trade. There are probably more species on
orchids, but the taxonomy of tenuipalpid mites
is poor as is accurate information about their occurrence on orchids. Flat mites are
smaller than two-spotted spider mites, difficult to see without magnification, and move
very slowly.
Other mites frequently found associated with orchid culture include predatory mites that
feed upon pest mites. There are many innocuous mite species that feed on fungi,
bacteria, and decaying organic materials. There are also a number of beneficial mites that
are predators on plant-feeding mites, insect pests, and other critters. Oribatid mites that
look like tiny round, dark-colored beetles feed on fungi on plant parts and decaying
organic materials. A large diversity of yellowish to light brown mites are frequent in
potting media and may occasionally be found on plants. These are usually large, >1.0
mm in length and easily seen.
The two-spotted spider mite is probably the most
important mite pest of cultivated orchids in all areas,
but flat mites are very common and are often not
diagnosed properly. Both two-spotted and flat mites
can become problems in greenhouses and homes.
Because of the small size of these mites, and great
similarity among related species, their accurate
identification is difficult and often requires the help of
an experienced entomologist with a high quality
microscope. In general, two-spotted’s and flat’s are
small sized, with two-spotted’s reaching a grand 0.5
mm in length and flat’s reaching a mere 0.3 mm in
length. All of these mites are pale yellowish-green to
orange-red color and often with two or more black areas visible through their
integument. All bear conspicuous pale hairs. Two-spotted spider mites spin networks of
silk webbing that protects their colonies from predators and helps maintain high humidity
near the leaf surface. This webbing is also protective against pesticide sprays. Flat mites
do not spin this webbing.
Typically, mites are always present in low numbers. This makes managing cultural
conditions important for mite control. Mites will readily move between plants, float on
air currents, be introduced on new plants or those brought indoors from the garden, and
the eggs or resting stages may be in potting media. Colonization of your plants by mites
can be done at any time, but severe problems may not show themselves until favorable
environmental conditions are present. In the home and hobby greenhouse spider mites
will readily move to orchids from other plants.
Damage
All of these mites may be found on a wide variety of orchids. In addition, the twospotted
spider mite is known to feed on hundreds of different plant species. The larvae,
nymphs, and the adults all feed by puncturing cell walls and sucking cell contents,
particularly chloroplasts. The killing of individual
cells or groups of cells produces the transparent,
yellow, or tan patchwork of damage that indicates
mite infestation. Feeding may be done on many
plant tissues, but mostly on leaves and buds and can
cause these to drop prematurely. Heavy feeding
produces a patchy chlorotic appearance to leaves,
and portions of or the entire leaf may turn dry and
brown. This damage generally reduces the vigor of
plants and may kill plants. Mites may also transmit
certain viruses.
Flat mites often feed on the upper surfaces of leaves
and this will create a pock-marked appearance from
empty and collapsed leaf cells. This type of damage is particularly easy to see on
infested Phalaenopsis leaves. Flat mite feeding on thin leaves, especially the underside,
is similar to the stippling caused by spider mites, but there is no webbing. Mite damage
is permanent, so it is best to manage mites at low populations than to experience heavy
infestations. Thin or soft-leaved orchids are more susceptible to mite damage than those
with thicker leaves, but no species or variety is immune.
Life Cycle
Both two-spotted spider mites and flat mites have five life stages: egg, larva,
protonymph and deutonymph (or nymphs), and adult. The larva has only six legs, but the
nymphs and adults have eight legs. Eggs are laid by females on the surface of plant
structures and are often hidden in crevices. Eggs and larvae are very tiny and are nearly
impossible to discern without magnification. A good handlens is useful for seeing even
the adults.
Developmental rates of mites are dependent upon temperature. In general, the higher the
temperature the shorter the life cycle. The egg may take upwards of three weeks to hatch
for flat mites, but only 1-2 days for two-spotted spider mites, at standard indoor
temperatures. While larval and nymphal stages usually take 5-6 weeks to reach
adulthood for flat mites, it may take only 1-3 weeks for two-spotted spider mites.
Optimum temperatures for development are 30-32°C (86-90°F). Both kinds of mites
will have many generations per year under favorable conditions. While flat mites may
take 6-9 weeks to complete a generation, the two-spotted spider mite can complete a
generation in as little as 5 days in optimum conditions. Like other orchid pests the
overlapping of generations creates a significant mite management problem.
Management and Control
Pesty mites tend to increase in numbers during “rain-less” periods due to the lack of rain,
fog-drip or other sources of free water on plants. It is the physical presence and force of
impact of water that help keep plant-feeding mite populations low. Spider and flat mites
require high relative humidity and occupy a thin static air layer next to plant integument.
Under `normal' conditions the mites are widely dispersed on and among plants. In dry
conditions, the mites concentrate in the most protected areas in the static air layer next to
the plant and between hairs. Further, the silk spun by spider mites acts as a tent to deflect
air flow and hold humidity close to the plant. Low humidity and lack of free moisture is
also bad for predatory mites and insects, important natural control factors for spider and
flate mites. In-doors and in greenhouses, spider and flat mites become serious problems
during the winter under the combination of reduced overhead watering and absence of
predators, and use of insecticides. In the home, typical gentle misting methods simply
are not effective on mites when dry air is circulating from furnaces and heaters. Overall,
it is a rather delicate balance between high relative humidity, free moisture, a dry air
source, breeziness, temperature, and the presence of predators that keeps mites well
managed.
Two-spotted spider mites and flat mites are small and relatively delicate creatures. The
easiest method for keeping mites under control is to regularly spray, or syringe, the plants
with water. In the home placing your plants in a shower or using a sink sprayer is very
effective. Mites are readily washed from the plants or are damaged by a heavy spray. In
a greenhouse regular spraying and misting is effective.
Biological control of mites is feasible even in small hobby greenhouses. Numerous
predatory insects attack mites, including lacewings, ladybeetles, and wasps. The use of
predatory mites is particularly successful in greenhouses. Most of the predator mites that
are sold by suppliers are from several genera. Phytoseiulus persimilis is a commonly
used and readily available species. Of course, the use of insecticides and miticides when
biological control agents are active is self-defeating, and mite problems can be
exacerbated by use of general insecticides.
Rubbing Alcohol
Light infestations restricted to one or a few plants can usually be treated with household
products. When possible, immediately isolate infested plants from others to prevent the
mites from moving amongst them. Probably the most popular home remedy is to spray
plants with a mixture of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and liquid mild dish detergent, such
as Ivory. Do not use other alcohols, such as ethanol or methanol, as these will penetrate
the plant tissues and cause considerable damage! The concentration of the isopropyl
seems to make little difference, the common 70% concentration available in stores is
satisfactory. Alcohol treatment is effective against all the life stages of mites, except
eggs.
A potential problem with alcohol treatment is the rapid evaporation of alcohol causing cooling of plant
tissues. Especially with air movement that increases evaporative cooling, this chilling may over-cool tissues
and create zones of dead cells that can become necrotic with bacterial or fungal infection. On warm days
or in a breeze consider blotting residual alcohol with a tissue instead of permitting it to evaporate off the
plant. Alcohol and detergent solutions can also damage delicate buds and blooms, so caution is urged for
prized plants.
Repotting is not very effective against mites. However, with an extreme infestation it
may be worth repotting a plant as eggs and resting adults may be in the growing media.
Horticultural oil, neem oil, mineral oil, and insecticidal soaps are readily available,
inexpensive, and effective against mites. Oil solutions smother the mites so a complete
coverage of all sprayed plants is essential. These oils are mixed with water and usually a
plant-safe detergent or commercial spreader-sticker should be used for enhancing the
effectiveness of the oil. The main caution with these oil solutions is that they should
never be applied to plants on hot days (>85ºF/29ºC) or in direct sunlight, as to prevent
burning of tissues. Leave the plant in shade until the application has dried. Some plants
or parts, such as buds and blooms, are sensitive to oils so due care and consideration is
urged.
Insecticidal soaps are usually solutions of a synthetic pyrethrin and potassium salts of
fatty acids, otherwise known as soaps. Pyrethrins are synthetic analogs of pyrethrum, the
natural extract from certain Asteraceae, particularly certain species of Chrysanthemum.
Caution is urged with so-called “safe” insecticidal soaps as some plants are sensitive,
particularly tender new tissues. Piperonyl butoxide is a common enhancer of pyrethrins
but can cause allergies in some people and may affect plants, too. Some non-orchid
ornamentals will drop leaves and abort flowers when sprayed with insecticidal soaps, so
again caution is urged with prized orchids.
Because the life cycle of mites is so short and there are overlapping of generations, to
bring a serious problem under control you may need to do treatments every 1-3 weeks.
The time period between control efforts will depend upon the growing conditions,
especially temperature: greater frequency in a warm greenhouse, less inside a house. As
with any pest, persistence is a key to success and correlating the control method to the
mite species is important for effective management. Cultural conditions are a key to
managing mite populations.
Insecticides and Acaricides
Persistent populations of mite or infestation in many plants usually demand the need for
synthetic pesticides. Mites are unrelated to insects and most common insecticides are not
effective against mites. Pesticides designed for mite control are called miticides or
acaricides. There are few miticides specifically registered for use on orchids, but there
are many miticides for ornamental plants in general and several are available as
inexpensive home-and-garden solutions. Miticide formulations not labeled for
ornamental plants are often mixed with solvents that aide in the application of the active
ingredient for specific purposes. These solvents, not necessarily the miticide itself, often
produce phytotoxicity and may seriously damage or kill plants. Thus, never use any
chemical that is not specifically labeled for ornamental plants.
Common insecticides are not effective against mites, though some do have some weak
suppressive action, but will kill mite predators. Acephate (Orthene), malathion, and
disulfoton (Di-syston) are labeled for mites but are not very effective. Resistance by
mites to pesticides is a serious problem and is in part due to the excessive use and weak
action from common insecticides. Dimethoate, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos were recently
removed from the market in the U.S. for non-commercial applications due to excessive
and careless use causing some serious health and environmental problems.
There are many miticides available for ornamental plants, but some are not tested on
orchids, and others are generally too expensive or otherwise not readily available for the
small-collection grower. Effective miticides for ornamental use include avermectin
(Avid), bifenthrin (Talstar), dienochlor (Pentac), fenbutatin-oxide (Vendex), and
fluvalinate (Mavrik). Fenbutatin-oxide is mixed with acephate and sold in home-andgarden
formulations. Avermectin is probably the least toxic of these chemicals to people
and pets.
Of course, always follow label directions and never exceed the minimum recommended
concentration given in mixing directions! Recommended solutions are based on
extensive testing for selected pests and plants. Orchids are sensitive to many chemicals,
particularly under direct sunlight or high heat, and while certain species may not react to
a given formulation others may, so your own testing on plants before general application
is recommended.
Home orchid keepers that need to apply miticides during inclement weather need special
care for applications. If you cannot spray out of doors, place your plant(s) inside a large
plastic bag (remove the bag after the spray has settled!) and let the plant ventilate where
the fumes will not be wafted around the house or work area.
Final Considerations
Heavy infestations of mites, especially on many plants may require extensive control
methods. Since the damage done by mites is permanent, constant management of the
population more effective than control of a major infestation. On the extreme side if you
have a plant showing signs of severe change or general decline from mites you may have
to seriously consider destroying that plant, as the likelihood of rejuvenating that plant
may not justify the expense and effort of continued treatments. Too, destruction of a sick
plant can be used to justify the purchase of a new and healthier plant!
If you are battling mites for long periods of time (e.g., >2 months) and have been using
the same miticide then you likely developed a resistant population of mites. Remember
the short generation times of mites. The best resolution to this is to change methods and
chemicals frequently; that is do not use the same chemical mix more than 3-4 times
sequentially. After isolating infested plants give them a thorough application of
something different from what you have been using. Resistance is not a problem with
alcohol, oils, and soaps as these suffocate or dessicate the mites.
Generally, never use a miticide not labeled for ornamental plants. Be thorough.
Prophylactic use of miticides is tempting but does little good as it is a waste of chemical
and money, and allows resistant mites to develop.
Orchid growers with an entomological penchant and desiring detailed information are
referred to the excellent book Mites of Greenhouses: identification, biology and control,
by Zhi-Qiang Zhang (2003), CABI Publishing, Oxon (UK) and Cambridge (USA), ISBN
0 85199 590 X.
Image Credits: False spider mite and spider mite images are from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and USDA-ARS,
respectively. Other images are those of the author.
No comments:
Post a Comment