Pests

Insects

Couch Grass Mite

Common name: Couch Grass Mite

Scientific Name: Aceria cynodontis

Adult: Occur in summer and thrive in hot dry conditions. They are seen in the leaves and stems. A small rounded microscopic spider like animal, 0.02mm in length it has 8 legs and is white in colour.

Nymph: Seen late spring on leaf sheaths etc and is the major feeding stage.

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis

Hosts: Couches and QLD Blue couch.

Symptoms: “Bunchy Top Appearance” Detection is difficult and must be verified by Lab analysis. Attack is aimed at buds, crowns and sheaths. Webs maybe seen in long grasses, shortened internodes, proliferation of buds, flattened scale like brownish leaves and can be a source of secondary infection.  

Mite attack on Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Couch or Bermuda grass

Prevention: Use of miticide.

Chemical control: Use of miticide.  

---

info@gardenet.com.au

Gardenet takes no responsibility for the action and remedies provided. Whilst all information given is known to be true and correct, the decision of the recipient to use the information is at their own discretion.