Michigan cherries advice from MSU

European red mite - Panonychus ulmi (Koch)

ERM overwinter as eggs on rough bark. The eggs are most commonly found near buds, fruit spurs, and in the fork of two branches.

European red mite (ERM) eggs begin hatching at tight cluster stage of bud development and are found on leaves or bark the rest of the year.

Monitoring and thresholds: see twospotted spider mite information.


Immature ERM often feed in groups within unfolding leaves.	The female ERM is red or brownish-red with conspicuous white spots at the bases of their white bristles.	The adult male is smaller than the female, has a tapered abdomen, and is reddish-yellow.

Additional information

For more monitoring information and evaluation of available pesticides:
Michigan Fruit Management Guide
MSU Diagnostic Services for assistance in pest identification.
MSU Fruit Crop Advisory Team Alert newsletters for current pest/crop conditions.
Cherry orchard floor management (pdf file) with implications for mite management.

This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits by David Epstein, Larry J. Gut, Alan L. Jones and Kimberly Maxson-Stein. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2840).

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Funding support: Project GREEEN, the Michigan Cherry Committee and the MSU IPM Program. Read disclaimer. Web developed by: J.N. Landis.
02/22/08