How to Manage Pests
Pests in Gardens and Landscapes
Wheat curl mite—Eriophyes tulipae
Wheat curl mites are microscopic white, wormlike organisms about 0.25 mm long. The legs are very small
and located near the head. These mites feed on liliaceous bulbs, cereal grains, and wild grasses.
This mite is primarily a pest of stored bulbs; its feeding causes stored onions and garlic to desiccate.
Wheat curl mite is a vector of rot-causing organisms in both the garden and storage. Heavy infestations
result in streaking and twisting of garlic leaves and reduce plant stand as well as yield.
Gardens rotated into onions or garlic from corn may have higher levels of wheat curl mites. Flood irrigation
or heavy winter rains may reduce populations. Avoid planting successive onion or garlic crops.