Grape: Grape erineum mite

Biology

The grape erineum mite (Collomerus vitus) is actually a type of eriophyid mite. They are very tiny, whitish, worm-like, and spindle-shaped. Their bodies have definite annulations or rings, and only two pairs of legs directly behind the mouthparts. They overwinter under outer bud scales and feed on leaves during summer. The upper leaf surface becomes blistered, and blisters on the lower leaf surface turn white, yellow, or brown. Colonies of mites live inside the blisters (erinea) formed by their feeding on the lower surfaces. The blisters contain masses of enlarged leaf hairs. Large infestations can cause major stress on young vines. From mid-August to leaf drop, the mites migrate back to the overwintering sites beneath bud scales.

Management Options

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

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• None are known to be effective.

Chemical Management

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

• Apply according to label instructions.
• Dormant-season horticultural oils or wettable sulfur applications may be helpful.
• Directed controls specifically for erineum mite are usually not necessary.

Approved Pesticides

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.

• All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: mineral oil/pet distillate [EPA registration number: 4-80]
• Defend DF/Home and Garden Use/for Organic Gardening [Organic]
  Active ingredient: sulfur [EPA registration number: 62562-8]
• R-T-U Year-Round Spray Oil
  Active ingredient: oil/pet distillate [EPA registration number: 6218-78]
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.

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