What does a strawberry fruit affected by mites look like? - briefly
Mite‑infested strawberries exhibit a mottled or stippled surface, with tiny silvery‑brown spots and a faint dusty residue where the pests have fed. The fruit often shows reduced firmness and a subtle off‑taste caused by tissue damage.
What does a strawberry fruit affected by mites look like? - in detail
Mite infestation on strawberry fruit produces a distinct set of visual symptoms that can be recognized in the field. The surface of the berry often shows a fine, silvery‑gray coating caused by the accumulation of mite webs and excrement. This coating may appear as a subtle dusting that dulls the natural shine of the fruit.
Color changes are common. Affected berries frequently develop uneven, pale or yellowish patches that contrast with the surrounding red tissue. In severe cases, the patches expand, creating a mottled appearance where healthy red skin is interspersed with lighter, almost translucent areas.
Texture is altered as well. The skin becomes fragile and may develop small, shallow depressions where mites have fed. These depressions can coalesce, forming larger, irregularly shaped lesions that feel slightly rough to the touch compared to the smooth surface of a healthy fruit.
Additional signs include:
- Presence of tiny, moving specks on the fruit surface, especially when the fruit is examined closely.
- Small, web‑like strands connecting clusters of mites, often visible under magnification but sometimes discernible with the naked eye as a faint network.
- Early fruit drop; heavily infested berries may detach from the plant prematurely, leaving small, scarred attachment points.
The combination of a dusty overlay, discoloration, surface depressions, and visible mite activity provides a reliable set of characteristics for diagnosing mite damage on strawberries. Prompt identification enables targeted management measures to prevent further spread and preserve fruit quality.