Blueberry Bud Mite
Acalitus vaccinii
Not established in BC. Included so growers and scouts can watch for it. Report a suspected find to the BC Blueberry Council.
Overview
This mite is present in the Maritimes and Eastern US.
Damage
Blueberry buds develop red blisters at bud break. Flowers and berries are rough textured and also develop red blisters. Damage is most severe following mild winters.
Pest
The adult mite is clear to white and tiny, only 0.2 mm long. It has an elongated body and two pairs of legs near the head. Adult mites lay their eggs inside bud scales at the end of branches in the early spring. The young mites feed inside the buds until the buds open, then move down the stem to feed and reproduce in tighter buds. Adults, eggs and nymphs are present all year round.
Photo reference
1 field photo
Select any photo to enlarge.