The flat scarlet mite (Cenopalpus pulcher) has been
detected in the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis,
Oregon. (Actually, the mite was found in 1990, but mis-identified
then. It's hard to identify something you've never seen
before.) The flat scarlet mite is reportedly a minor pest in
Europe and the Middle East. It is a concern for plant protection
people here in the U.S., because one never knows how an organism will
react, freed of its natural controls. It is a particular concern
having been found at the Germplasm Repository, as the mite may have been
shipped nationwide.
Here in Wisconsin, the state Department
of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection will be conducting a survey for the
mite, and contacting people who received scionwood from Corvallis in the
last ten years. I suspect some other states may do the same, unless
they're waist-deep in Plum Pox work. I wish I had more information to
offer you all, but right now, we've got very little. I'll keep the
group informed. Adrian Barta WI DATCP Pest
Survey