Profile

The curl mite is a typical pest of the grapevine. Damage symptoms are caused by the sucking activity of the mites and can manifest themselves, among other things, as growth disorders and discoloration of the leaves. Especially in young plants, curly mites cause severe damage without sufficient space mite stocking.

Biology

The curly mite belongs to the gall mite family (Eriophyidae). The adult mites overwinter under the bud scales and under the bark of older wood. In spring, the winter animals migrate to the budding buds and the underside of young leaves, where they lay round eggs 0.03 mm in size.

The hatched larvae develop into nymphs and from them the summer females and males. These look very similar and differ only in body size. During the season, the active curl mites preferentially colonize the underside of leaves. However, in case of heavy infestation, they also occur on the upper side of the leaf, as well as on the tines and racemes. Several generations occur during the course of the year.

In late summer, the then emerging winter females seek out overwintering sites. The summer forms, on the other hand, fall off with the foliage and do not survive the winter.

Host plants

The curl mite can occur en masse on grapevine(Vitis vinifera) and cause significant yield and quality losses.

Distribution

Curly mites occur not only throughout the European viticultural area, but in many vineyards worldwide.

Propagation and transmission

Ruffle mites are spread by infested lumber and grafts, by blowing away colonized leaves during the season, and by adhering to clothing and tools used in foliage work.

Economic importance

Infestation by the curly mite can cause severe damage, especially in young plants. The sucking activity of the curly mite disturbs the growth of the vines, so that stunted shoots sprout more.

Prevention and control

• To prevent a curly mite infestation, predatory mites should be encouraged and predatory mite-friendly plant protection products should be used.
• If necessary, a predatory mite colonization (e.g. Typhlodromus pyri) should be carried out. Apply felt strips with Typhlodromus pyri already in winter, so that they can become active at the first rising temperatures.
• Spraying for shoots: Early application on a warm day is very important for successful control of curl mites. The later the treatment, the lower the success will be (see list of plant protection products approved in Austria).
• Carry out cane washing with net sulfur from bud break.

Services

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