Aculops fuchsiae
Pest description and damage Tiny (about 0.01 inch in length), elongated, eriophyid mites infest the growing tips, young leaves, and blooms and cause distorted, twisted, and blistered growth. They are primarily a problem in coastal areas. They are spread by wind, pollinating insects, and birds, and by movement of infested stock.
Biology and life cycle This eriophyid mite develops in the unopened leaves and buds. Then, they leave those tissues and move outward as new leaves and buds are forming.
Pest monitoring Look for the gall symptoms and distortions on leaves and buds. When possible, confirm mite presence with hand lens.
Management-biological controls
Predatory mites are important biological control agents of these mites.
Management-cultural control
Fuchsia species and cultivars differ widely in susceptibility to these mites. Some control is gained by removing infested plant parts. It is extremely easy to spread these mites to other plants after handling infested plants; thorough handwashing is advised. Mites are carried on clothing.
Management-chemical control
See Table 3 in:
Chemical Control of Landscape Pests
For more information
See "Gallmakers" in:
Bergquist, R. 2004. Food for Thought Regarding Fuchsia Gall Mites. American Fuchsia Society (http://www.americanfuchsiasociety.org/fuchsiaarticles/fuchsiagallmite4-2...)
Anon. Susceptibility of Fuchsia Species or Cultivars to Fuchsia Gall Mite Damage in California. UC-IPM (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/vrfuchsiagall.html)