Scorch mites are a small insect like, creatures that overwinter in the bark of the pecan trees and eventually come out to feed on the underside of the leaves on the pecan trees. While it is still early in the summer, scorch mites have already been spotted on our farm here in south Georgia.
Usually the numbers of present mites don’t increase to large enough populations to justify action this early in the season, however this year we are seeing mite populations explode earlier in the summer. With a life cycle from egg to adult in as little as one week in ideal conditions, populations can and have exploded quickly here in south Georgia.
Control of mites and aphids is becoming more difficult as resistance to modes of action is building in the insects and arachnida. This will be our first spray for mites this season, but most likely not our last as August usually tends to be another time when we monitor mite population growth.
For now aphids and mites are our second biggest battle behind scab pressure. While the pecan crop still looks quite impressive, we have a few months left to get to the finish line with this year’s crop.
A larger pecan crop is expected this year and so far the trees are producing heavy, we will soon begin to see the June drop take place as trees begin to shed some of the larger pecan load. While this is a normal occurrence on heavier crop years it is still a challenge to watch your trees shed pecans.
To find more information about mites and modes of action, you can check out the UGA website and spray guide for useful resources.
