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Blue oat mites

Agronomist, Mick Duncan (Northern Agriculture), reports that blue oat mites (Penthaleus spp.) have been prevalent in several emerging crops over the winter period across much of the Northern Tablelands district of New South Wales. Mick says spraying with omethoate has been common and appears to have provided good control.

Blue oat mites are abundant in many cropping and pastoral areas of Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. They 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 tolerance to pesticides, 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.

Click here for images of blue oat mites and refer to PestFacts Issue No. 2 for more information.

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