Skimmia Pests
The genus Skimmia consists of four species of evergreen shrubs, with all the Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica) being the most famous and most widely grown. Pinkish-white, star-shaped blossoms blossom in mid-spring, and clusters of red berries appear in autumn. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, the Skimmia prefers temperate areas, like under large trees. The red mite is undoubtedly the most ordinary Skimmia pest, beleaguering shrubs across the West shore. Appropriate and knowledge handling are crucial to mitigating those pests.
Description
The citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) is a reddish brown, eight-legged arachnid. While men are smaller with abdomens that are diminished females are globular. Females lay up to 50 eggs over the course of the breeding season, fixing them on leaves. The eggs hatch in warmer weather.
Signs of Infestation
The citrus red mites feed on fruit in addition to young leaves, most commonly a pale stippling which in severe infestations, which can lead to necrosis, causing death to twigs and leaves, yellowing, and leaving Skimmia leaves with edges. Skimmias won’t usually die in the infrestation. Healthy skimmia plants may continue to thrive under siege.
Biological Control
Natural predators of the citrus red mite include the dustywing, sixspotted thrips, black lady beetle, and the all-important predaceous mite (Euseius tularensis). These critters that are helpful match their prey in proportion, but are pear-shaped and translucent. Researchers have discovered that the plants release compounds which produce the citrus. Hot spells with temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit can scorch a chunk of the populace off. The red mite is susceptible to a virus in warmer regions which can result in their bodies crumble apart and to curl up.
Manual Control
Citrus mites adore nitrogen. Excessive fertilization also drought equals improved mite fertility. Maintain skimmia in full or partial color and apply mulch over the ground. Go easy and also maintain the skimmia well-watered to discourage egg-laying. Blast off mites with a hose. Pesticides and insecticidal soaps should be a last resort; in best they supply short term control they set the stage for a more aggressive red mite comeback and kill off natural predators. The rule is to maintain the plant watered and protected from sunlight.