Boxwood bud mite, a small white mite about 0.2 mm in size that is not visible to the naked eye.
Boxwood bud mite (Phytophus canestrinii) is a small white mite about 0.2 mm in size and not visible to the naked eye. Also because it hides behind the bracts in the bud. Colonies of mites develop in the buds and cause sucking damage to the buds in late spring.
Where to find
- Common box
Control
Difficult to to control because boxwood top mites are hidden in the buds and there they are well protected.
Remove affected buds.
Prevention
The predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni is a natural enemy of the buxus bud mite.
Plant bud mite-resistant varieties.
