What does a strawberry bush affected by mites look like? - briefly
The plant shows pale, stippled leaves with fine silvery webbing, and new growth often appears stunted or distorted. Fruits may be small and misshapen, while the overall foliage looks dusty and weakened.
What does a strawberry bush affected by mites look like? - in detail
Mite‑infested strawberry plants display a series of distinct visual symptoms that can be recognized without magnification, although a hand lens clarifies many details.
The foliage often shows a fine, pale stippling on the upper leaf surface. This stippling consists of tiny, yellow‑to‑white spots where individual mites have pierced cells. As the infestation progresses, the leaf tissue may turn bronze or reddish‑brown, especially on the edges and margins. Leaves frequently curl downward or become distorted, creating a concave shape that reduces photosynthetic efficiency.
Undersides of leaves commonly host sparse, silken webs produced by spider mites. The webs appear as a faint, filamentous network connecting leaf veins and petioles. In severe cases, webbing becomes dense enough to trap dust and debris, giving the plant a dusty, dull appearance.
Stems and petioles may develop a stippled or mottled pattern similar to the leaves, and small, elongated feeding tunnels can be observed along the vascular tissue. The overall growth habit often becomes stunted; new shoots emerge slower, and the plant’s canopy remains lower than that of healthy counterparts.
Fruit damage is also evident. Mites feeding on developing berries cause a surface discoloration that ranges from light spots to a uniform yellowish hue. In later stages, the fruit may exhibit a rough, uneven texture and reduced sweetness due to disrupted nutrient flow.
Typical progression:
- Early stage: isolated pale stippling on leaf tops, minimal webbing.
- Mid stage: extensive bronzing, leaf curling, noticeable webs on leaf undersides.
- Late stage: widespread web coverage, stunted shoots, fruit discoloration and surface irregularities.
Effective identification relies on observing these combined signs: stippled leaf surfaces, bronzed or curled foliage, fine silken webs, mottled stems, and compromised fruit appearance. Recognizing the pattern early allows timely intervention before the infestation overwhelms the crop.