How can you recognize spider mite on cherry? - briefly
Look for tiny yellow‑green spots on foliage, a fine web on leaf undersides, and stippled or bronze discoloration of leaves and fruit. A hand lens reveals the 0.5 mm mites moving in clusters.
How can you recognize spider mite on cherry? - in detail
Spider mites on cherry trees appear as tiny, often invisible to the naked eye, but their presence can be confirmed through several observable signs.
First, inspect the foliage for stippling: minute, pale spots where cells have been pierced and fluid extracted. The pattern resembles a fine peppered surface and progresses from leaf edges toward the interior.
Second, look for a fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and between shoots. The silk is usually sparse, forming a delicate network that may be more noticeable when the wind is calm.
Third, monitor leaf discoloration. Early infestation causes a yellowish or bronze tint, especially on new growth. As damage intensifies, leaves may turn brown, curl, or drop prematurely.
Fourth, perform a beat test. Hold a sheet of white paper beneath a branch and gently tap the foliage. Dislodged mites appear as moving specks, sometimes forming a faint cloud.
Fifth, examine fruit. While mites rarely feed directly on cherries, heavy infestations can lead to reduced size, uneven ripening, or a higher incidence of fruit cracking due to weakened plant vigor.
For precise identification, collect a sample of leaf material and examine it under a magnifying lens or microscope at 40–100× magnification. Adult spider mites are oval, 0.3–0.5 mm long, with two pairs of legs and distinctive dorsal setae. Eggs appear as tiny, translucent ovals attached to the leaf surface.
Regular scouting, especially during hot, dry periods when mite populations surge, enables early detection and timely management.