How can cyclamen be treated for spider mite? - briefly
Use a labeled miticide such as abamectin or a horticultural oil (neem, insecticidal soap) applied to all foliage, ensuring thorough coverage. Repeat the treatment every 7–10 days until mites are eliminated and keep the plant isolated from uninfested stock.
How can cyclamen be treated for spider mite? - in detail
Spider mites damage cyclamen by feeding on leaf tissue, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. Effective control requires early detection, rapid intervention, and ongoing prevention.
Inspect plants regularly. Look for tiny moving specks on the undersides of leaves, fine webbing, or stippled discoloration. When populations exceed a few mites per leaf, treatment should begin.
Mechanical removal
- Rinse foliage with a strong stream of water to dislodge mites and webs.
- Prune heavily infested stems or leaves and discard them away from healthy plants.
Cultural measures
- Increase ambient humidity to 60 % or higher; spider mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Reduce temperature fluctuations by keeping cyclamen in a stable environment, ideally 15‑18 °C.
- Space plants to improve air circulation and limit micro‑climates that favor mite reproduction.
Biological agents
- Apply a suspension of predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus) according to label rates.
- Introduce entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana; spray until foliage is thoroughly wet and repeat every 7‑10 days until the pest disappears.
Chemical options
- Use horticultural oil (e.g., neem oil or mineral oil) at 1–2 % concentration. Apply to both leaf surfaces, ensuring complete coverage of the underside; repeat every 5–7 days until no mites are observed.
- If oil fails, select a miticide with low toxicity to beneficial insects, such as a sulfur‑based product or a bifenazate formulation. Follow manufacturer dosage and observe pre‑harvest intervals.
Integrated approach
- Begin with water spray and pruning.
- Introduce predatory mites within 24 hours.
- Apply horticultural oil after 48 hours, covering all foliage.
- Monitor daily for mite activity; if counts remain high after two applications, add a miticide.
- Maintain humidity and temperature controls throughout the cycle.
Record each treatment, noting dates, products, and observed mite densities. Adjust the program based on monitoring results to avoid resistance buildup and preserve beneficial organisms. Consistent vigilance and combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and chemical tactics provide the most reliable eradication of spider mites on cyclamen.