Bud gall, stunted twigs, and defoliation caused by Eriophyes mangiferae (Sayed).

Infestation of the buds results in arrested growth, with the stunted, short, young stems close together at the terminal branch. When the leaves fall, the overall effect is scant growth of twiggy bunches, with a few stubby, short branchlets and discolored buds. Young trees are most seriously affected.

This species was discovered in Egypt on mango. It has been reported in Brazil, Mexico, India, Venezuela, and Florida. Eriophyes mangiferae was recently collected on galled inflorescences of mango trees in India. However, it is not known whether this mite causes the injury.

Mango bud mite (A. mangiferae) is found on buds and is associated with two diseases depending on the presence of Fusarium sp. fungi. When the fungus is absent and the buds are attacked, a witch’s broom develops at the terminal branch. When the fungus is present, galls form on flowers and foliage (1,3).

The mango bud mite, Aceria mangiferae (Sayed) (Figures 10 and 11), causes proliferation of stems at the terminal branch. This symptom is known as witches broom (Figures 12 and 13). Young trees can be stunted if severely attacked during several consecutive seasons by this mite. These mites are very small and difficult to see, requiring a microscope for viewing.