Insects and Mites

broad mite - dahlias

Mites - Broad mite injury on dahlias (greenhouse cut flowers)

Note twisted, hardened and distorted terminal growth and bronzing on these greenhouse grown dahlias being grown as a cut flower. Young terminal buds can be killed and leaves turn downward. Injury can be confused with thrips damage, herbicide injury, physiological or nutritional disorders. Broad mites have a wide host range. Broad mites are difficult to see without the aid of a microscope. If characteristic symptoms are seen, send samples to a diagnostic laboratory for identification.

See fact sheet: Managing Cyclamen Mites and Broad Mites in the Greenhouse
Information on sending samples to the UMass Diagnostic Lab