Mites

MITES belong to the class Arachnida. They differ from insects visibly in that they have four pairs of legs - the insect has three pairs of legs. They are microscopically tiny organisms that live primarily on the surface of the assimilating organs of trees or shrubs. Mites are highly fertile and can reproduce very quickly.

Mites feed on plant juices, injecting enzymes into the plant, which in turn cause deformations or tumorous changes in the plants. These tumors, their shape, location, and staining are often typical for each mites species.

Their activity does not cause the direct mortality of plants. The damage they cause is mainly aesthetic. Reducing the area of ​​assimilation organs can lead to a reduction in vitality. The most significant damage caused by mites is on ornamental trees and on vegetables in enclosed spaces, where they can spread uncontrollably.

Mites often cause felt-like coatings on the bottom of leaves. Foto: M. Zúbrik	Tumorous outgrowths on the top side of leaves caused by mites. Foto: M. Zúbrik	Curled edges of leaves. Foto: M. Zúbrik	Aceria tristriata on Walnut.  Foto: M. Zúbrik