| Steneotarsonemus pallidus, or cyclamen mites, can
be major pests on strawberries. Plants they infest are
chlorotic and sickly looking because mites extract
chlorophyll from the plants.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Yellow or white stippling appears on leaves. New
growth is stunted and older growth becomes
distorted and curled. Flower buds may drop. Fruit
that develops from infected buds are small and dry.
Whole plants may have a bronze cast.
Life Cycle
Mites are minute arachnids, only measuring up to
1/25 inch. Under a magnifying lens, you will find
that adults are red-orange and immature stages are
somewhat translucent. The distorted growth and
bronze cast of the plant occur due to toxins injected
by the mites. They overwinter in the crowns of
strawberry plants. Mites can do serious damage to
strawberry plantings because they can reproduce
and spread quickly; a new generation may be
produced every 14 days.
Integrated Pest Management Strategies
1. Apply insecticidal soap weekly until control is
achieved to rid plants of mites. Make sure to
cover the undersides of leaves because that is
where these pests tend to be found feeding.
2. Remove and destroy infested plants.
3. Apply insecticides. Pesticides registered for use include dicofol (Kelthane and endosulfan (Thiodan). | 
