State Extension Specialist-IPM/Assistant Professor Lincoln University Jefferson City, Missouri
Missouri elderberry growers have challenges with spider mites, mainly eriophyid mites, Phyllocoptes wisconsinensis, and Epitrimerus trilobus, which are reported to cause foliar and flower damage on elderberry plants, leading to yield reduction. Apart from mites, several insects attack elderberry but are sporadic and occasional in their injury. This study developed IPM strategies for eriophyid and other mite species in elderberry. Several control strategies, including biological control and miticides, were evaluated for their effectiveness in controlling mites. The results showed that predatory mites and reduced risk miticides could reduce the population and damage of eriophyid mites in field-grown and nursery elderberry productions. The results are discussed based on the implementation of IPM in elderberry in Missouri.
