Biosecurity Queensland is asking banana growers to check their plants and be on the lookout for a spider mite.

The spider mite Tetranychus gloveri was first detected in the Northern Territory in 2008 on an ornamental species.

Queensland Chief Plant Health Manager Mike Ashton said the mite has only recently been found on banana plants in North Queensland.

“When Tetranychus gloveri was first detected in 2008, industry and state, territory and federal governments decided it was not technically feasible to eradicate. Instead, it was proposed governments and landholders would need to work together to manage the pest,” Mr Ashton said. 

“Since its discovery, the mite has been detected multiple times on a range of host species.  Overseas it has been recorded on over 100 species including banana.

“Tetranychus gloveri is commonly found on the underside of older banana leaves along the midrib where they feed and produce webbing. The mite itself is only 0.5mm long, but is distinctive because adult females and their eggs are red in colour.”

Mr Ashton said banana growers shouldn’t be alarmed by the recent detection of the mite, and instead should keep an eye out for it as part of their regular pest monitoring program.

“Spider mites can be spread by wind, plant material, machinery and human movement, so it’s important producers practice good on-farm biosecurity by inspecting planting material before planting and ensuring workers have clean equipment and attire each day. 

“At this stage, there is no evidence this species of spider mite will cause more serious damage than the closely related Tetranychus lambi, which is already present in Queensland. The control practices for this mite are expected to be consistent with other spider mite species associated with bananas.”