Technical notes. Potato broad mite and its control

Abstract

Although known for many years to be present in potato fields, this mite in the autumns of 1955 and 1956 caused considerable damage to potato crops in parts of the Lockyer and Fassifern Valleys. Foliage damage by this mite was severe, obvious and patchy throughout the fields, and trial insecticide applications were delayed until the pest was established. Applications of dieldrin, lime sulphur or sulphur reduce the mite populations appreciably but not to the extent usually required of a satisfactory miticide. In the planning of future investigations with potato pests, and in Departmental extension literature, priority is being given to preventive measures for the control of potato broad mite.