Mite ID?

[Agrobambu]

Hi

I'm attaching some pics of Bambusa vulgaris "vittata" with a very usual mite.
What's his cientific name?What's the better(non agressive) treatment?
I'm using with a good result(slow) a solution of tobaco in water.
Thanks,
Ene
Agrobambu - CF&T

[Mark Meckes]

Ene, this looks more like a scale insect than a mite.

One that is common on Bambusa species in the USA is Asterolecanium bambusicola (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=541) - also called a Pit Scale or Armored Scale

Here are some close up pics of a scale insect on Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata':

http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/541/thumbs/ScaleBvVitAuTX070730-0032.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=5064) http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/541/thumbs/ScaleBvVitAuTX070730-0029.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=5063) http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/541/thumbs/ScaleBvVitAuTX070730-0023.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=5062) http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/541/thumbs/ScaleBvVitAuTX070730-0016.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=5061)

Mark

[ShmuBamboo]

Looks like scale on the stems. Spray them with insecticidal plant oil (at non-dormant rate listed on label for scale, which for Lilly Miller oil spray is about 2 TB per gallon of water). I also use a spreader (you can also use dish soap) and that should kill them off. Spray when temps are below 60 degrees to avoid leaf damage. This solution will also kill most mites, eggs and their larvae on contact.

As for the leaves, that could be many things. Maybe water stress from the sucking scales, or mites. Boo mites tend to leave odd and random tracks in the leaves, and this could be from them. Look for small threaded 'tents' under the leaves that the mites make, or use a 10x power lens to look for crawlers on the leaves. Or just spray them with insecticidal oil; spray the plant completely and get all the undersides of the leaves.

Also a warning about using this type of insecticidal oil spray; it is toxic and you need to wear a spray mask and clothes when spraying. If you want a non-toxic spray, you can use canola oil and dish soap mixed at about 2 TB each per gallon. It is not quite as effective, but you can soak the whole yard in the stuff a few times to control scale and mites.