Citrus Bud Mite
Aceria sheldoni
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameCitrus Bud Mite
DescriptionCitrus bud mites are microscopic pests that live inside buds, causing fruit to grow into bizarre, grotesque shapes. Identify twisted shoot tips to save your lemons.
TypeMite
FamilyEriophyidae
GenusAceria
TribeAcaricalini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumChelicerata
ClassArachnida
OrderTrombidiformes
SubfamilyEriophyinae
Features
- A microscopic, worm-like mite (Aceria sheldoni) that lives and feeds deep within the protective scales of citrus buds, particularly lemons
- Too small to see with the naked eye. Their presence is identified entirely by the dramatic distortions they cause to leaves, blossoms, and fruit
- Infected buds produce 'rosetting'—bunched, stunted growth at the tip of the branch that looks like a tight cluster of tiny, malformed leaves
- The most striking symptom is grotesquely deformed, misshapen, or finger-like fruit, which is most common in lemons and navel oranges
- Blossoms may be misshapen or fail to open entirely, leading to a significant reduction in fruit set and overall yield
- The mites suck sap from the delicate tissue inside the bud, injecting toxins that cause the plant cells to grow abnormally as they develop
- They favor the higher humidity and cooler temperatures found inside the dense canopy of the tree. They are most active from late spring to autumn
- Can be spread between trees by wind, birds, or by moving infested nursery stock and budwood used for grafting
- Monitor for twisted or 'rosetted' shoot tips during the spring and autumn growth flushes. Prune out dense, inner foliage to reduce humidity
- Control by applying narrow-range horticultural oil or wettable sulfur during the dormant season or when the tree is just beginning to flower
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificAceria sheldoni
English (Alternate)Bud mite
Hindiनींबू की कली की मकड़ी (Nimbu ki kali ki makdi)
Tamilஎலுமிச்சை மொட்டு சிலந்தி (Elumichai mottu silandhi)
Teluguనిమ్మ మొగ్గ పురుగు (Nimma mogga purugu)
Malayalamസിട്രസ് ബഡ് മൈറ്റ് (Sitraṣ baḍ maiṭ)
Kannadaನಿಂಬೆ ಮೊಗ್ಗು ನುಸಿ (Nimbe moggu nusi)
Sanskritजम्बीर-कोरक-कीट (Jambīra-koraka-kīṭa)
Bengaliসাইট্রাস বাড মাইট (Citrus bud mite)
Frenchacarien des bourgeons du citronnier
Russianцитрусовый почковый клещ (tsitrusovyy pochkovyy kleshch)
Spanishácaro de las yemas del naranjo
GermanZitrusknospenmilbe
