Erinose mite
Leaf blisters caused by erinose mite
© Queensland Government
Blistering in spotted gum leaves
© Queensland Government
Erinose mites are microscopic invertebrates that feed on plant tissue, and cause distortion and abnormal growth in shoots and leaves. They cause damage in young spotted gum plantations.
Scientific name
Rhombacus spp., Acalox spp.
Description
- Mites are microscopic, so identify by damage:
- large swarms cause raised, yellow to red blisters on leaf surfaces
- blisters cover the whole leaf surface in severe cases.
Distribution
- South-eastern Queensland
- Central Queensland
- Northern New South Wales
Hosts
- Spotted gums (Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora, C. citriodora subsp. variegata, C. henryi, C. maculata).
- Queensland oak (Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata x C. torelliana).
Damage
- Blisters reduce efficient photosynthesis and affect tree growth when leaves are retained over long periods.
- Severe defoliation occurs when heavily infested leaves are shed prematurely.
- Shoot distortion can cause the tree to lack a clear central stem (apical dominance).
- Prevalent in 2-3 year old plantations.
- Different provenances (origins) of Corymbia vary with respect to tolerance. Woondum provenance is one of the most susceptible.
Resources and research
- Last reviewed: 12 Dec 2018
- Last updated: 12 Dec 2018