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The Fuchsia Gall Mite (Aculops fuchsiae) is microscopic at 0.25mm long and will feed by sucking the sap from Fuchsias. The mites secrete the chemicals required by the plant, which prevents normal development of flowers and leaves. This causes the Fuchsias distortion, abnormal growth and extensive galling. Fuchsia Gall Mite activity will be apparent when the Fuchsia shoot tips consist of distorted tissue, or a mass of reddish-pink or yellowish-green, as opposed to the leaves or flower buds you would expect. Though the mite cannot be identified without a microscope, activity will be clear from such galled tissues.
Fuchsia Gall Mite Killer contains the predatory mites; Amblyseius andersoni. The andersoni feed on the Fuchsia Gall Mite and a range of other pests. See them listed below:
We advise using Amblyseius andersoni against Fuchsia Gall Mite on indoor and outdoor plants. The andersoni also feed on pollen and this means that they can be applied before, or soon after, the Fuchsia Gall Mite is first observed. This can aid earlier control of Fuchsia Gall Mite populations and reduce risk of sustained pest damage by combating the Fuchsia Gall Mite early in its life cycle.
If protecting plants from Fuchsia Gall Mite indoors, results can also be found with our Amblyseius californicus sachets.
Amblyseius andersoni are active from 14℃and above, with an optimum temperature being between 20-28℃. Amblyseius andersoni are sensitive to relative humidity below 65%.
We recommend the following application rate:
- One small bottle will cover approximately two large fuchsias.
It is recommended that you mist your Fuchsias first, as this will help the carrier material stick to the leaves and flowers, which aids better distribution of the predatory mites.
The Fuchsia Gall Mite Killer is supplied in shaker bottles (the largest unit contains 25,000 predators), so you can apply the predators by rotating the bottle and gently shaking the contents directly onto the infested leaves and growing points of the plants. Ensure the andersoni are released directly onto the Fuchsia plant, ideally in hot spot areas which have shown evidence of Fuchsia Gall Mite activity.
Amblyseius andersoni can also be applied using our Dragonfli Distribution Boxes, which will be more effective for larger Fuchsias. Distribute the shaker bottle contents into your boxes and hang them on the stems or leaves of your plants. The boxes act as small breeding sites for the predators and they will then proceed to exit the boxes and move around the plants looking for food, such as the Fuchsia Gall Mite, Whitefly eggs or the Red Spider Mite.
Repeat applications may be required to maintain andersoni populations or if the Fuchsia Gall Mite numbers were high when the predators were first applied.
Full application instructions are provided on delivery.
The Fuchsia Gall Mite can survive quite low temperatures, as they can hide and overwinter in flower buds. If treating Fuchsias grown in a greenhouse, apply the Fuchsia Gall Mite Killer from the spring (or earlier if treating in heated greenhouses).
The Fuchsia Gall Mite is very difficult to identify with the human eye, and difficult to control in high numbers, therefore it is important to apply early. Repeat applications should be applied in the summer, ideally once a month.
We advise using andersoni straight away upon delivery. This ensures best results as the mites will be fresh.
Amblyseius andersoni is a living creature and can be affected by any chemical pesticides used within the previous few weeks. As a general guide, refrain from using Natural Pyrethrum or SB Plant Invigorator 2 days prior to use. Other chemical insecticides can have long lasting residues that could harm andersoni and other predatory mites for much longer periods. Refrain from using these products or check with Dragonfli for information on the effect of these products on the predatory mites.
Just as you can be allergic to cats, pollen, and dust mites, it is also possible to be allergic to the natural substances in predatory mites, feeder mites, and supplementary feeding products. If you are particularly allergy prone and concerned about the potential effects of our mites please contact your local GP prior to purchase. Please note that allergic reactions to our mites are extremely rare.
