Filbert: Filbert bud mite

Biology

Filbert bud mites are tiny eriophyid mites which feed in the leaf and flower buds. The mites are yellowish and sausage-shaped and are difficult to see with the unaided eye. Mite feeding causes the buds to thicken and enlarge, resulting in a condition called “big bud”. The swollen, infested buds fail to grow normally and do not produce fruit. The buds turn dark reddish-brown as they mature.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Plant “tight-budded” varieties such as ‘Barcelona’, which are less susceptible to bud mite attack. Loose-budded varieties such as ‘Daviana’ and ‘Royal’ are more susceptible.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.

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