New guidance on the use of chemical miticides for Tomato russet mite control provides growers with a broader range of management options.

The tiny Tomato russet mite causes russeting and bronzing of tomato leaves and fruit. Currently, growers have only one registered product with a label claim for Tomato russet mite control.

A new technote produced by TomatoesNZ summarises results from a residue trial undertaken through the A Lighter Touch programme. The purpose of the trial was to recommend the pre-harvest intervals to meet the New Zealand default maximum residue level (MRL) for two alternative products, giving growers additional tools in their toolbox.

The technote provides guidance for the use of insecticides such as rates and timings of applications so that the resulting residues in fruit will comply with the New Zealand maximum residue levels (MRLs).

Read the tech note, and find more information about this pest in the Russet Mite Action Card on the IPM section of the TomatoesNZ website.

Tomato russet mite damage 

The skin of tomato fruit becomes coarse and turns reddish brown and the fruit itself is sometimes deformed. Image Credit: Koppert