Integrated Weed Control Project

Eriophyes chondrillaeEriophyes chondillae mite magnified

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Common Name

Rush skeletonweed gall mite

Weed Impacted

Mites feed on young buds and within bud galls* formed on rush skeletonweed.  Bud gall formation caused by the mites weakens plants by diverting energy and nutrients away from the growth and development of normal plant tissues and into the galls instead.  Decreased plant health may result in stunted growth and reduced seed production; younger plants and seedlings may be killed.

* galls are an abnormal swelling or deformation of plant tissue caused by insects, mites, microorganisms or injury

Agent Description

Adults and young (nymphs) are tiny, soft-bodied, pale yellow-orange mites.  Adults are from 0.16 to 0.26 mm (less than 1/32 inch) long, and nymphs are nearly impossible to observe clearly with the naked eye.

Life Cycle

This agent completes several generations per year.  Overwintered adults attack shoot buds in the spring and feeding by the mite transforms the buds into deformed, cauliflower-like galls. Eggs are laid and hatched within the galls. Nymphs feed on gall tissue and hundreds of mites can infest a single gall. Adult females overwinter on the rosette buds.

Field IdentificationEriophyes chondrillae galls

The presence of E. chondrillae in the field can be recognized by stunted stems with yellow-brown, deformed-looking galls.

Availability

Eriophyes chondrillae is readily available in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California.  Galled stems are harvested from July to mid-October. To inquire about availability and to request this biocontrol agent, please download, complete and submit this form.

Comments

Currently, this mite is the most effective biocontrol agent released for the management of rush skeletonweed. It will attack all biotypes of rush skeletonweed and can rapidly disperse and establish at weed infestations.

Using the Agent: Integrated Weed Management (IWM)

Eriophyes chondrillae can be used with the rush skeletonweed gall midge (Cystiphora schmidti) and/ or the skeletonweed rust fungus (Puccinia chondrillina). Biocontrol agents should only be released when rush skeletonweed infestations are large and immediate eradication is not the primary objective.

Individual plants and smaller, satellite populations may either be hand-pulled, dug, or sprayed.  Herbicides should not be applied where biocontrol agents have been released. Consult with your county weed office, Extension office or an IWM practitioner to determine which herbicide treatments are safe and appropriate. 

Any management of rush skeletonweed should involve revegetation with native or other desirable plants.  Competition between plants stresses weeds and can allow for more effective treatment.  To learn more about revegetation and IWM, click here.

References

Coombs, E. M., J. K. Clark, G. L. Piper, and A. F. Cofrancesco, Jr. 2004. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Western Society of Weed Science, Oregon State Univ. Press, Corvallis.

McCaffery, J. P., G. L. Piper, R. L. Callihan, and E. M. Coombs. 1996. Collection and redistribution of biological control agents of rush skeletonweed. University of Idaho Extension Publications. Bulletin 782.

Photo Credits

Eriophyes chondrillae mite (magnified) - Charles Turner, USDA Agricultural Research Service, bugwood.org (insectimages.org), http://www.insectimages.org/images/768x512/0022098.jpg

Eriophyes chondrillae galls - Gary L. Piper, Washington State University, bugwood.org (insectimages.org), http://www.insectimages.org/images/768x512/0022094.jpg

 

 

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