Remember I was asking about brown patches on buttonwood leaves? Well,
I asked the owner of the bonsai to send me some leaves, because the
symptoms did not sound like rust or any of the other things the guy's
friends were telling him, and he was needlessly spraying the plant with
fungicides.

I got the leaves today and looked at them: they were covered with
minute mites (that is, really *small* mites, even for mites). Not only
that, the mites had four legs pointing forward and four pointing
backward, which to me (not an entomologist) spells eriophyid mite. And
eriophyid mites cause warty rusty patches on leaves of many hosts (I
had a button*bush* (genus cephalanthus)that had red patches on it for
years caused by an eriophyid mite). So I did a Google search of
"Conocarpus eriophyid" and got the following:

"ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS:
Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus (silver buttonwood, a native
species)-- Aceria sp., an eriophyid mite: A moderate to severe
infestation was found at a restored wetland in Pembroke Pines (Broward
County; E2001-4181; Maria S. Quintanilla and Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn;
10 October 2001). This probably is a new species. It is likely to be
responsible for the recent leaf distortion damage observed on
buttonwood trees in South Florida. Pruning will temporarily eliminate
the damage because most of the mites are in the growing tips; however,
in time, populations rebuild and damage re-appears (Dr. W.C. 'Cal'
Welbourn)."


So that's what I'm sayin'. I'm going to have to tell him to talk to
Florida Cooperative Extension on what miticide to use.

Nina.

What would we do without you?!!?!

Kits
--- Nina wrote:

Remember I was asking about brown patches on
buttonwood leaves? Well,
I asked the owner of the bonsai to send me some
leaves, because the
symptoms did not sound like rust or any of the other
things the guy's
friends were telling him, and he was needlessly
spraying the plant with
fungicides.

I got the leaves today and looked at them: they were
covered with
minute mites (that is, really *small* mites, even
for mites). Not only
that, the mites had four legs pointing forward and
four pointing
backward, which to me (not an entomologist) spells
eriophyid mite. And
eriophyid mites cause warty rusty patches on leaves
of many hosts (I
had a button*bush* (genus cephalanthus)that had red
patches on it for
years caused by an eriophyid mite). So I did a
Google search of
"Conocarpus eriophyid" and got the following:

"ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS:
Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus (silver buttonwood,
a native
species)-- Aceria sp., an eriophyid mite: A moderate
to severe
infestation was found at a restored wetland in
Pembroke Pines (Broward
County; E2001-4181; Maria S. Quintanilla and Dr.
W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn;
10 October 2001). This probably is a new species. It
is likely to be
responsible for the recent leaf distortion damage
observed on
buttonwood trees in South Florida. Pruning will
temporarily eliminate
the damage because most of the mites are in the
growing tips; however,
in time, populations rebuild and damage re-appears
(Dr. W.C. 'Cal'
Welbourn)."


So that's what I'm sayin'. I'm going to have to
tell him to talk to
Florida Cooperative Extension on what miticide to
use.

Nina.


************************************************** ******************************
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Manakitivipart++++

************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++



=====
****
"Expectations are resentments under construction."

Anne Lamott

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
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+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Is Kelthane safe for buttonwood? Since buttonwood isn't a common
nursery plant, it won't be listed on any of the standard label
information.

Alan Walker
http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Nina
Remember I was asking about brown patches on buttonwood leaves?
Well, I asked the owner of the bonsai to send me some leaves,
because the symptoms did not sound like rust or any of the other
things the guy's
friends were telling him, and he was needlessly spraying the
plant with
fungicides.

I got the leaves today and looked at them: they were covered with
minute mites (that is, really *small* mites, even for mites).
Not only
that, the mites had four legs pointing forward and four pointing
backward, which to me (not an entomologist) spells eriophyid
mite. And
eriophyid mites cause warty rusty patches on leaves of many hosts
(I
had a button*bush* (genus cephalanthus)that had red patches on it
for
years caused by an eriophyid mite). So I did a Google search of
"Conocarpus eriophyid" and got the following:

"ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS:
Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus (silver buttonwood, a native
species)-- Aceria sp., an eriophyid mite: A moderate to severe
infestation was found at a restored wetland in Pembroke Pines
(Broward
County; E2001-4181; Maria S. Quintanilla and Dr. W.C. 'Cal'
Welbourn;
10 October 2001). This probably is a new species. It is likely to
be
responsible for the recent leaf distortion damage observed on
buttonwood trees in South Florida. Pruning will temporarily
eliminate
the damage because most of the mites are in the growing tips;
however,
in time, populations rebuild and damage re-appears (Dr. W.C.
'Cal'
Welbourn)."


So that's what I'm sayin'. I'm going to have to tell him to talk
to
Florida Cooperative Extension on what miticide to use.
Nina.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

At 12:28 PM 12/27/2004, Alan Walker wrote:
Is Kelthane safe for buttonwood? Since buttonwood isn't a common
nursery plant, it won't be listed on any of the standard label
information.

I should have responded to this one initially, but I understood from the
post that the spots were on the top of the buttonwood leaves. I'll bet
that the "rust" is on the bottom.

I have not used Kelthane on buttonwood, but it is labeled as a specific
mitricide and I have used Pantac, Avid and Mavrick (which are mitricides
also) on buttonwood with no ill effects and that is what I use when the
tiny mites get on my plants. Here in Arkansas the mites do little damage,
they much prefer my Ficus salisifolia, so I seldom need to spray.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

I've been studying up on mites, and I now think the mite might be the
southern red leaf mite, although it isn't recorded on buttonwood. It
is an "exceptionally destructive" pest of holly and azalea, introduced
into the US in 1917 and now found on the East coast and California. It
has been found on clethra, cleyera, elaeagnus, eucalyptus, eugenia,
grevillea, hibiscus, juniper, kalmia, oxalis, photinia, pyracantha,
rose, and viburnum. It causes bronze spots on leaves and eventually
death of the leaf and in severe cases, death of the whole plant.

Web sites recommend use of "appropriate miticides" (yeah, thanks!) and
use of dormant oil in winter. Dormant oil would be good, but of course
any plant should be tested for phytotoxicity before treatment, and the
oil shouldn't be used in warm weather.

So if your plant has distorted leaves and raised scabby patches or
flecking, get out a hand lens and look on the underside of the leaf for
mites. You'll probably have better luck seeing the cast-off white
exoskeletons than the mites themselves. Spider mites produce webs, but
lots of mites don't.

Nina.

Spider mite, spider mite,
Plump and red,
Almost microscopic -
Get out of my bed!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nina"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 9:37 AM
Subject: [IBC] Buttonwood answer, mites, cont.


I've been studying up on mites, and I now think the mite might be the
southern red leaf mite, although it isn't recorded on buttonwood. It
is an "exceptionally destructive" pest of holly and azalea, introduced
into the US in 1917 and now found on the East coast and California. It
has been found on clethra, cleyera, elaeagnus, eucalyptus, eugenia,
grevillea, hibiscus, juniper, kalmia, oxalis, photinia, pyracantha,
rose, and viburnum. It causes bronze spots on leaves and eventually
death of the leaf and in severe cases, death of the whole plant.

Web sites recommend use of "appropriate miticides" (yeah, thanks!) and
use of dormant oil in winter. Dormant oil would be good, but of course
any plant should be tested for phytotoxicity before treatment, and the
oil shouldn't be used in warm weather.

So if your plant has distorted leaves and raised scabby patches or
flecking, get out a hand lens and look on the underside of the leaf for
mites. You'll probably have better luck seeing the cast-off white
exoskeletons than the mites themselves. Spider mites produce webs, but
lots of mites don't.

Nina.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Spider mite, spider mite,
Plump and red,
Almost microscopic -
Get out of my bed!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nina"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 9:37 AM
Subject: [IBC] Buttonwood answer, mites, cont.


I've been studying up on mites, and I now think the mite might be the
southern red leaf mite, although it isn't recorded on buttonwood. It
is an "exceptionally destructive" pest of holly and azalea, introduced
into the US in 1917 and now found on the East coast and California. It
has been found on clethra, cleyera, elaeagnus, eucalyptus, eugenia,
grevillea, hibiscus, juniper, kalmia, oxalis, photinia, pyracantha,
rose, and viburnum. It causes bronze spots on leaves and eventually
death of the leaf and in severe cases, death of the whole plant.

Web sites recommend use of "appropriate miticides" (yeah, thanks!) and
use of dormant oil in winter. Dormant oil would be good, but of course
any plant should be tested for phytotoxicity before treatment, and the
oil shouldn't be used in warm weather.

So if your plant has distorted leaves and raised scabby patches or
flecking, get out a hand lens and look on the underside of the leaf for
mites. You'll probably have better luck seeing the cast-off white
exoskeletons than the mites themselves. Spider mites produce webs, but
lots of mites don't.

Nina.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Now, That's Per Verse!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marty Haber"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 10:41 AM
Subject: [IBC] Buttonwood answer, mites, cont.


Spider mite, spider mite,
Plump and red,
Almost microscopic -
Get out of my bed!

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Now, That's Per Verse!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marty Haber"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 10:41 AM
Subject: [IBC] Buttonwood answer, mites, cont.


Spider mite, spider mite,
Plump and red,
Almost microscopic -
Get out of my bed!

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

I had an rohodie impeditum for years. One year when
it ws blooming and I needed money, I sold it. It was
beautiful. I was told it had spider mites and
succumed as well as other plants in her gardern. Is
it possible the plant prexisted with mites, but
maintained its health in my garden, but was stressed
in hers? Can you use oil on conifers/evergreens?

Kits
--- Nina wrote:

I've been studying up on mites, and I now think the
mite might be the
southern red leaf mite, although it isn't recorded
on buttonwood. It
is an "exceptionally destructive" pest of holly and
azalea, introduced
into the US in 1917 and now found on the East coast
and California. It
has been found on clethra, cleyera, elaeagnus,
eucalyptus, eugenia,
grevillea, hibiscus, juniper, kalmia, oxalis,
photinia, pyracantha,
rose, and viburnum. It causes bronze spots on
leaves and eventually
death of the leaf and in severe cases, death of the
whole plant.

Web sites recommend use of "appropriate miticides"
(yeah, thanks!) and
use of dormant oil in winter. Dormant oil would be
good, but of course
any plant should be tested for phytotoxicity before
treatment, and the
oil shouldn't be used in warm weather.

So if your plant has distorted leaves and raised
scabby patches or
flecking, get out a hand lens and look on the
underside of the leaf for
mites. You'll probably have better luck seeing the
cast-off white
exoskeletons than the mites themselves. Spider
mites produce webs, but
lots of mites don't.

Nina.


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon
Manakitivipart++++

************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++



=====
****
"Expectations are resentments under construction."

Anne Lamott

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

There was a bonsaist called Wainright
He attempted to tangle with a spider mite
Tried something new fangled
Got seriously entangled
And ended by putting out his own light

Copyright 12-28-04 by the
Poetess Krystal Knobbs
A Kitsune Production

--- Bart Thomas wrote:

Now, That's Per Verse!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marty Haber"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 10:41 AM
Subject: [IBC] Buttonwood answer, mites, cont.


Spider mite, spider mite,
Plump and red,
Almost microscopic -
Get out of my bed!


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon
Manakitivipart++++

************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++



=====
****
"Expectations are resentments under construction."

Anne Lamott

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Stressed plants are more suceptible to mites, but this doesn't explain
why her garden plants succumbed as well as your rhodie, unless the
woman was the world's worst gardener. I can think of one brilliant
hypothesis, however: There are some broad-spectrum insecticides that
wipe out mite's natural enemies and lead to massive outbreaks of mites
a few week's after application. Sometimes the label of the insecticide
will mention this side-effect. I don't need to spell out the moral, do
I? Oh, yes, I probably do. If you have an insect problem, identify
the insect and use the appropriate pesticide. Don't nuke your yard.

This (http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/cespubs/hyg/html/200119b.html) looks like
a good discussion of dormant oils. I couldn't find anything that says
you can't use it on rhododendrons.


Kitsune Miko wrote:
I had an rohodie impeditum for years. One year when
it ws blooming and I needed money, I sold it. It was
beautiful. I was told it had spider mites and
succumed as well as other plants in her gardern. Is
it possible the plant prexisted with mites, but
maintained its health in my garden, but was stressed
in hers? Can you use oil on conifers/evergreens?

Kits

Stressed plants are more suceptible to mites, but this doesn't explain
why her garden plants succumbed as well as your rhodie, unless the
woman was the world's worst gardener. I can think of one brilliant
hypothesis, however: There are some broad-spectrum insecticides that
wipe out mite's natural enemies and lead to massive outbreaks of mites
a few week's after application. Sometimes the label of the insecticide
will mention this side-effect. I don't need to spell out the moral, do
I? Oh, yes, I probably do. If you have an insect problem, identify
the insect and use the appropriate pesticide. Don't nuke your yard.

This (http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/cespubs/hyg/html/200119b.html) looks like
a good discussion of dormant oils. I couldn't find anything that says
you can't use it on rhododendrons.


Kitsune Miko wrote:
I had an rohodie impeditum for years. One year when
it ws blooming and I needed money, I sold it. It was
beautiful. I was told it had spider mites and
succumed as well as other plants in her gardern. Is
it possible the plant prexisted with mites, but
maintained its health in my garden, but was stressed
in hers? Can you use oil on conifers/evergreens?

Kits