What is a raspberry tick? - briefly
A raspberry tick is a concise alphanumeric identifier printed on Raspberry Pi hardware to denote a particular board revision or firmware version. It allows developers to verify the exact configuration of a device quickly.
What is a raspberry tick? - in detail
The raspberry tick, Acari of the family Eriophyidae, is an extremely small, elongated mite that feeds on raspberry plants. Adults measure 0.1–0.2 mm, lack eyes, and possess only two pairs of legs, a characteristic of eriophyoid mites. Their bodies are soft, covered with a waxy coating that helps retain moisture.
Life cycle stages include egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Females lay 30–50 eggs on leaf undersides; development from egg to adult takes 5–7 days at temperatures of 20–25 °C. Several generations may occur within a single growing season, allowing rapid population buildup when conditions are favorable.
Feeding damage appears as stippling, yellowing, or bronzed discoloration of leaves and stems. Infested shoots may curl, become brittle, and produce fewer berries. Heavy infestations can stunt plant growth and reduce fruit yield. The mites inject saliva that disrupts cell function, leading to the observed symptoms.
Identification relies on microscopic examination. Key diagnostic features include a vermiform body, pointed gnathosoma, and the presence of dorsal ridges. Field detection often starts with visual signs of leaf deformation, followed by slide preparation for confirmation.
Control strategies fall into cultural, biological, and chemical categories:
- Cultural: Remove and destroy affected canes after harvest; maintain adequate spacing for air circulation; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization that promotes dense foliage.
- Biological: Introduce predatory mites such as Amblyseius spp., which consume eriophyid stages; encourage natural enemies by planting nectar‑producing border species.
- Chemical: Apply acaricides labeled for eriophyid mites, following label rates and pre‑harvest intervals; rotate products with different modes of action to prevent resistance.
Monitoring should begin early in the season, using sticky traps or leaf washes to assess mite presence. Prompt intervention at low population levels prevents escalation and limits crop loss.