Fuchsia gall mite is spreading
21 October 2010
Gardeners swapping fuchsia plants and cuttings need to beware a pest that looks set to spread across the country, warns the RHS.
Fuchsia gall mite, Aculops fuchsiae, was first detected in the UK by the RHS three years ago when one of its members in Hampshire sent a fuchsia with severely distorted growth to the RHS advisory service for diagnosis. Since then more infested samples sent from the South, from Kent to Devon, show that it is spreading.
No pesticides for domestic use
“This is a devastating pest because it destroys the plant’s shoot tips and flowers. None of the pesticides available to gardeners will control it,” says Andrew Halstead, RHS Principal Entomologist.
“Although the detection of fuchsia gall mite has to be notified to FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency) they are not taking any action on plants in private gardens. We anticipate that infestations across the country will increase significantly in the next few years.”
The mite is microscopic and easily spread by the wind. It is also likely that bees visiting flowers on infested plants will pick up and transfer mites in a similar manner to pollen grains, so if one plant has become infested it is likely that other fuchsias in the garden may be as well.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of infestation develop gradually. Usually a reddening of the leaves is first noticed, especially at the shoot tips. As mite numbers increase leaves, flowers and the shoot tips become deformed and swollen until new growth stops.
Normally the RHS provides its free diagnostic service only to members, but because of the charity’s concern about this pest the service has been extended to non-members. Gardeners who suspect they may have fuchsia gall mite can send or bring samples of affected shoots in sealed polythene bags to Gardening Advice, RHS Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB. Digital images of damaged plants can also be sent to gardeningadvice@rhs.org.uk
Identifying this pest
The charity advises that fuchsia leaves that are misshapen with many small holes, but are green and of normal thickness have been damaged by capsid bugs. Fuchsia gall mite causes thickening and severe distortion of the foliage, which may be reddish pink or yellowish brown.
“Fuchsias are popular garden plants because of their long flowering period in mid – late summer,” says Andrew. “As this pest becomes more widespread I anticipate that their popularity will go into sharp decline. Apart from losing the showy colours they add to our gardens we may also lose the spectacular hedgerows of fuchsias in Cornwall and Devon.
The RHS recommends that any plants showing symptoms of infestation should be dug up and burnt or buried, as there are currently no other effective control measures available for use in gardens. Neighbours should be encouraged to do the same. The charity also suggests waiting a year before trying to grow replacement fuchsias. Fuchsias in garden centres and any cuttings or plants offered by friends should be checked carefully and destroyed if there are any signs of distorted growth.