August 2009. Eggplant with what could be mite damage from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

The damage is quite similar to that observed on eggplant in the Sigatoka valley, Fiji, caused by Thrips palmi. The thrips damages the developing fruits during the early growth stages, as they inhabited the area between the calyx and the young fruit. When the fruit elongates during growth, the typical streaks of callus tissue became more apparent, making the fruit unmarketable. Check for thrips in the flower, or underneath the calyx sepals.

Thrips, mites or even young Miridae can cause this sort of damage. It happens at the very young fruit stage (also to leaf buds) – so that is where to look.