Mites

   Outbreaks of carmine spider mites (Tetranychus cinnabarinus) occur occasionally, especially during hot, dry weather. Spider mites feed on plant sap and prefer to live on the leaf underside. Their feeding causes stippling of white areas on the leaves. Heavily infested leaves may turn yellow and drop   off prematurely. Most miticides do not kill the egg stage so several applications are required for effective control. Coverage is important to reach the mites in the leaf undersides. Mites can be inspected with a hand lens on the leaf underside. Natural enemies of spider mites include ladybird beetles, and predaceous thrips and mites. Varietal differences exist with respect to tolerance to spider mite feeding, but no mite resistant commercial cultivars are currently available.