Lychee Erinose Mite (LEM). Treatment Options.
The lychee erinose mite poses a threat to lychee fruit trees as it infests and causes the formation of erineum galls, which are hairy abnormal growths, on the leaves. If left unchecked, these mites can cause significant harm to the tree, its fruit, and flowers. Despite being too minuscule to be visible without a microscope, their presence can be identified on the surface of the lychee leaves.
Pruning stands out as the primary and crucial cultural measure to combat the lychee erinose mite (LEM). It is imperative to accompany pruning with sulfur applications to safeguard the new growth (as mentioned below). Pruning without the addition of sulfur treatments can potentially worsen the spread of LEM. Make sure the affected leaves are burned or thrown away in a plastic bag.
We spray our plants with a combination of 1 ) sulfur & 2) Miticide. We cannot provide technical information. However, you could do your own research online and purchase sulfur and a miticide, follow the label instructions and treat your trees.
The sulfur + miticide application should be done 2-3 times after pruning the infected leaves with a time interval of at least two weeks.
Sulfur should be sprayed in the evenings to avoid "burning" the leaves when they are also receiving sun light.
Pruning stands out as the primary and crucial cultural measure to combat the lychee erinose mite (LEM). It is imperative to accompany pruning with sulfur applications to safeguard the new growth (as mentioned below). Pruning without the addition of sulfur treatments can potentially worsen the spread of LEM. Make sure the affected leaves are burned or thrown away in a plastic bag.
We spray our plants with a combination of 1 ) sulfur & 2) Miticide. We cannot provide technical information. However, you could do your own research online and purchase sulfur and a miticide, follow the label instructions and treat your trees.
The sulfur + miticide application should be done 2-3 times after pruning the infected leaves with a time interval of at least two weeks.
Sulfur should be sprayed in the evenings to avoid "burning" the leaves when they are also receiving sun light.
Updated on: 06/18/2023
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