Pepper and Eggplant Mites

Pepper and eggplant mites can cause a lot of damage to crops and fruit. Fine webbing is visible on and under eggplant and pepper leaves in mite-infested fields. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetrabychus urtucae) feeds on the underside of eggplant leaves, causing pale, stippled spots and bronzing in infested foliage. The broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) is particularly problematic in greenhouse pepper crops. They feed on new growth, flowers, fruit and the undersides of leaves. Infested leaves are elongated, curled, deformed and small. Broad mite feeding in flowers and fruit causes abortion and scarring of fruit.

Mites are more destructive under dry conditions. Elimination of this pest before flowering and fruit set is important. After fruit formation, mites can feed and lay eggs under the calyx, making them difficult to eradicate. Miticide applications and/or washing infested plants with water or insecticidal soaps can reduce damage.