Pear Leaf Blister Mite

Garden Problems

Pear and other garden plants can be affected by Eriophyid mites. These mites cause blistering of pear leaves and some species cause a variety of symptoms on a range of other plants.

Identify the problem
Pear Leaf Blister Mite are very tiny mites (0.1-0.2 mm) of the Eriophyid mite group. They feed on individual plant cells by sucking out the contents. They cause blistering of leaves and deformations (galls and witches broom) of stems.
How to solve the problem
In most cases control is not required because damage is not significant. However, in certain conditions high numbers can cause damage to new growth and fruiting of pears.
- Prevention - carry out a Winter Spray Programme in late winter including the use of Organic Super Sulphur and Organic Super Spraying Oil.
- Prune off and destroy badly affected shoots and branchlets.
- Apply Organic Super Sulphur at 7 day intervals. (Note: Sulphur may injure soft plants and cause russet on apples and pears in hot weather during the growing season).
Did you know?
- Other plants affected by Eriphyid mites include Kakabeek, Puriri, Grape, Silver Beech, Walnut, Coprosma and Ngaio. They cause a range of symptoms including fury patches under leaves, witches broom, galls, leaf blisters and bud distortion and death.