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Agronomist, Michael Taylor (Elders), has reported blue oat mites causing damage to several cereal crops near Griffith, in the Riverina district of New South Wales. Michael says high numbers of mites are present and the characteristic ‘silvering’ of the leaves, caused by mite feeding, is evident.
Blue oat mites are often mistaken for redlegged earth mites due to their similar appearance and sympatric life-cycle. However, blue oat mites and the redlegged earth mite differ markedly in their biology and require separate management strategies. Blue oat mites can be distinguished from other mites by their blue-black coloured body and characteristic red mark on their back.
There are three pest species of blue oat mite which differ in their biology, but to the eye look identical. The species responsible for these outbreaks has been identified as Penthaleus tectus. P. tectus (formerly called ‘P. sp. x’) primarily feeds on wheat and other cereals, and was thought to occur in two distinct regions within south-eastern Australia; one population in northwest Victoria and one in northeast New South Wales. This outbreak appears to represent a distinct third population of P. tectus in south-eastern Australia.
Michael says the extent of feeding damage has necessitated chemical control. P. tectus can usually be controlled successfully using any of the currently registered insecticides. Rotating paddocks with non-cereal crops can also reduce numbers of P. tectus and eliminate the need for chemical applications.
For images of blue oat mites, click here.
What is PestFacts?
PestFacts south-eastern keeps growers and advisers informed about invertebrate pests and beneficials in broadacre crops and pastures during the winter-cropping season in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
PestFacts south-eastern is run through IPMforGrains: Best Practice Insect Pest Management, a project delivered by the National Pest Information Network (cesar, DPIRD, QDAF, NSW DPI, and SARDI). This project aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information on invertebrate grain pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices. This initiative is a GRDC investment and includes in-kind contributions from all project partner organisations.
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