Why is the pest we will be talking about in this article called a bud mite? The answer is simple – it settles in currant buds and eats them from the inside.
The conclusion, as the expert of the online publication BelNovosti, scientist-agronomist, landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh says, is obvious - one cannot count on a good harvest from infected currant bushes.
In addition to the decrease in yield, the gardener can also expect such troubles as a change in the taste of berries (for the worse), stunted growth and deformation of young shoots, crushed leaves, etc.
That's why it's so important to be aware of the signs that can help you determine if your plant is infested with a harmful insect.
You can tell this by the currant buds – some of them (those that are infected) become swollen and round.
In appearance they resemble a tiny, shaggy head of cabbage.
You might also be interested to know what can be done to combat the pest.
The best method against kidney mites is mechanical, which involves manual removal of deformed buds.