How to Get Rid of Russet Mites
Updated: May 23
Russet mites are a cannabis growers' worst nightmare. They feed on all types of cannabis plants, including European fibre cultivars, Southeast Asian drug landrace varieties, Afghan landrace varieties, as well as ruderals.
Russet mites feed primarily on petioles, leaflets, and the pistils of female flowering plants.
In this article we're going to discuss:
Signs & symptoms of russet mite infestations
How to get rid of russet mites
Garden cleanliness & pest prevention
Table of Contents
Russet Mite Taxonomy
How to Get Rid of Russet Mites
Russet Mites on Plants
Russet Mite Taxonomy
Russet mites, or Aculops cannabicola, are soft-bodied, sausage-shaped, and exceptionally small. Mature females measure around 0.2 mm long and only 0.45 mm wide.
They have two pairs of legs and their bodies are made of two distinct sections: the gnathosoma (mouthparts) and the idiosoma (body).
The legs of the russet mite extend from around the gnathosoma, toward the front.
We don't know very much about the lifecycle of russet mites. Outdoor populations likely overwinter in among seeds and indoor russet mites remain on plants year round.
Russet mites migrate toward the tops of dying plants and tend to spread to other plants either by wind or splashing water.
They thrive in environments around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) adn 70% relative humidity.
Differential Diagnosis
The morphology, coloring, small size, and lack of webbing make them easy to distinguish from spider mites.
Early Signs of Russet Mites
Russet mite are practically invisible to the naked eye. Damage first appears on leaflets that will curl at the edges, followed by chlorosis and necrosis.
Petioles become brittle and leaflets break easily.
In cases of severe infestations, russet mites will crowd the plant, giving leaflets a beige appearance.
How to Get Rid of Russet Mites
There aren't very many ways to control russet mites. Nevertheless, we present the following control methods in order from most recommended to least recommended.
Prevention
Cleanliness is the best defense against a russet mite infestation. Make sure to only use clean seed to prevent introducing overwintered russet mites to your garden.
Indoor gardeners should also abide by all generally-accepted cleanliness practices, including: