POLLEN CAP MITE

Pollen cap mite (Tyrophagus neiswanderi) is a mite which may contribute to the deterioration of pollen in cymbidium orchids rendering them unsuitable for sale. It normally lives in the growing media but may migrate up the cymbidium spikes and reside under the pollen cap. Varieties with loose fitting pollen caps are more susceptible to attack. Control methods include chemical sprays, predator mites and the selection of varieties that are not prone to attack. Overhead watering also tends to reduce the challenge but may give rise to other serious flower quality problems (botrytis and stem rot).

 Follow the link to "Effects of Pesticides on Cymbidium Orchid Pollen-cap Mite and its Predator Hypoaspis sp." by Workman & Martin - NZ Plant Protection 55:380-384 (2002)

http://www.nzpps.org/journal/55/nzpp_553800.pdf