By Blake Jackson
Timothy mite, a specialized cereal rust mite, poses a significant challenge for timothy growers, particularly in eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania, where it has widely infested pure timothy fields, hindering growth and reducing hay quality.
To detect mite activity, inspect fields early in spring for rolled-up leaf blades, a sign of mite feeding. Distinguish these tightly rolled leaves from normally expanded ones. Due to the mites' small size, a magnifying device is necessary for observation.
Collect rolled leaves from various areas of the field for thorough examination. Treatment is advised if 25% of tillers exhibit leaf curling within weeks of green-up.
Sevin XLR Plus is the sole chemical option for mite control in Pennsylvania, requiring high carrier rates (20-25 gallons per acre) and increased pressure to penetrate the leaf rolls.
Mite feeding leads to yield losses, estimated at 30-70%, and diminished hay quality due to dead, brown leaves. Timely application and comprehensive spray coverage are crucial for effective control.
First-year fields are less susceptible to high mite populations compared to older fields. If 25% of leaves are curled, treatment is recommended to prevent further mite proliferation and leaf damage.
Prompt action is vital to mitigate the economic impact of timothy mite infestations, ensuring healthier yields and better hay quality.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Hay & Forage