North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[mIEKAL aND <dtv@mwt.net>]

In reference to the thread circulating the last few days, I sent photos of the red & green spikey growths on the leaves of my beach plums.  (& from Shirley's description, I believe this is what is on her grapes.)

~mIEKAL

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Dahl, Robert A - DATCP" <Robert.Dahl@datcp.state.wi.us>

Date: May 31, 2007 7:34:38 AM CDT

To: "mIEKAL aND" <dtv@mwt.net>

Subject: RE: Can you identify this?

Those are eriophyid mite galls. They are only cosmetic and don't affect

fruit production. Not much to be done about them as they are cyclical in

populations. You don't know from year to year whether they will be

prolific. Just enjoy the red galls they make, they are kind of

beautiful.

Robert Dahl

Chief, Plant Protection

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

PO Box 8911

Madison, WI 53718

Phone: 608.224.4573

Fax: 608.224.4656

Email: robert.dahl@wisconsin.gov

-----Original Message-----

From: mIEKAL aND [mailto:dtv@mwt.net] 

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 10:53 PM

To: Dahl, Robert A - DATCP

Subject: Can you identify this?

These have appeared on beach plums in my 3 acre permaculture

demonstration.  Someone on one of my lists says they are egg casings.

Do you happen to know what insect produces these, or who I could ask?

thanks

~mIEKAL aND