Bulb mite

Systematic position: The bulb mite (Caloglyphus rodionovi) belongs to the order Acariformes and the family Acaridae. It is a microscopic, soil-dwelling pest that thrives in environments rich in organic matter and high humidity, frequently causing significant losses in agricultural settings.

Crops damaged: This species is a polyphagous pest, meaning it attacks a wide variety of plants. It is particularly destructive to bulbous plants such as onions, garlic, tulips, and hyacinths. Furthermore, it often infiltrates greenhouses to damage the root systems of tomatoes, cucumbers, and stored potatoes.

Biology and life cycle: The mite's lifecycle progresses through the egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph (hypopus), and adult stages. Under optimal conditions (20–25°C and high humidity), a single generation can develop in under two weeks. The hypopus stage is uniquely adapted to survive harsh conditions and serves as a means of dispersal by attaching to other insects or farm equipment.

Damage and pest status: The mites enter bulbs or roots through wounds or the basal plate. By feeding on the internal tissues, they compromise the plant's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and decay. Their activity creates entry points for secondary pathogens like fungi and bacteria, leading to rot and total crop failure in storage.

Control measures: Integrated pest management is essential for control. Key strategies include:

• Maintaining proper crop rotation to break the mite lifecycle.
• Ensuring thorough drying of bulbs before long-term storage.
• Managing soil moisture levels to prevent waterlogged conditions.
• Using appropriate acaricides as a last resort for pre-planting soil treatment.