European red mite - cultural control

There are major differences in the susceptibility of apple varieties to European red mite. This results from differences in the fecundity of the mites as well as the susceptibility of the variety to mite damage. All 'Delicious' types, such as 'Red Delicious', are especially vulnerable. This does not include 'Golden Delicious' which has different parentage. Other susceptible varieties include 'Braeburn', 'Splendour', and 'Fuji'. The old variety 'Jonathan' is notable for hosting only low levels of European red mite. Apple varieties which are harvested earlier are less affected by the late summer generations of European red mite and by the behaviour of females which lay their overwintering eggs on the fruit. Fruits infested with winter eggs are seen much more frequently on late-harvested varieties. Modern HortResearch breeding programmes screen out highly mite-susceptible varieties early in the selection process.

Another factor which influences varietal susceptibility to European red mite is the suitability of the apple variety for predatory mites, especially T. pyri. This important predator species is reported to dislike apple varieties whose leaves are less hairy (e.g 'Red Delicious'), thereby increasing the ability of European red mite to reach damaging levels.

The choice of pesticides has a major influence on the survival of the natural enemies of European red mite, and is especially important for T. pyri.