MITES

DESCRIPTION:  This mite is whitish cream in color, wormlike in shape and has two pairs of legs.  Adults are about 0.006-0.008 inch long and just visible with a quality 15 to 20 power hand lens.

INJURY:  Infestations are easily recognized when signaled by plant injury.  Infested grass first exhibits a slight yellowing of leaf tips followed by shortening of the internodes and leaves, producing a rosetted or tufted growth, or “witch’s broom” effect.  Severe infestations result in stand loss, and large dead areas soon become infested with weeds.  Damage is usually amplified during hot, dry conditions.