How to Identify and Control Hemp Russet Mites on Cannabis Plants

How to Identify and Control Hemp Russet Mites on Cannabis Plants
Professor DeBacco

Hemp Russet Mites Description
Cannabis is the only reported host for hemp russet mite and attempts to establish it on related plants in the Cannabaceae family (hops, hackberry) have so far been unsuccessful.
While this may not be study very well there are indications that it is related to the tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersic)
Hemp russet mite can likely survive year round in indoor production environments, and possible on outdoor plants as well.
Hemp russet mites can crawl only very short distances and immature stages are particularly immobile.
However, adults are capable of some crawling and may move to the edge of leaves where they can then be picked up and carried on air currents; in enclosed areas, fans can quickly spread mites.
Outdoors small breezes can distribute mites through field

Hemp Russet Mites Identification on Plant
Can develop on the upper leaf surface (as shown in the image), but highest numbers are found on the underside of the leaf.
Infestations can result in dull leaf color, reduced leaf size and plant growth.
Edge leaf curl can be an indication, but this same visual cue can also be the result of many other situations

Managing Hemp Russet Mites
As industrial hemp is a relatively new legalized crop, many miticides utilized for specialty crops or field crops have not been registered so be sure to check your local and current regulations.
Studies on citrus rust mites in Florida and Israel shown that the interruption of broad spectrum pesticide applications for more than 3 years may increase populations of predacious mites. In industrial hemp, making judicious use of pesticides may be an effective tool to reduce hemp russet mites.

Oil based miticides may have some effectiveness since they have been shown to be effective against spider mites.


Link to Lecture Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nF09...

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