How can I treat cucumbers for spider mite in a greenhouse during growth using folk methods? - briefly
Use a spray of diluted neem oil (1‑2 ml per liter water) with 1 % mild liquid soap, applying it to foliage every 5‑7 days. Alternate with a dusting of powdered garlic or chili pepper mixed with talc to repel the mites.
How can I treat cucumbers for spider mite in a greenhouse during growth using folk methods? - in detail
Spider mites rapidly colonize cucumber vines in greenhouse conditions, especially when temperature and humidity favor their development. Immediate action is required to protect foliage, maintain photosynthetic capacity, and prevent yield loss.
Cultural measures that reduce mite populations include regular removal of heavily infested leaves, pruning to improve air circulation, and rotating crops each season. Soil should be well‑drained, and watering schedules adjusted to avoid excessive dryness, which encourages mite reproduction.
Homemade sprays effective against the pest are:
- Neem‑oil emulsion – Mix 2 ml cold‑pressed neem oil with 1 ml liquid soap in 1 liter of water; spray until runoff, repeat every 5–7 days.
- Garlic‑pepper solution – Blend 5 g garlic, 2 g cayenne pepper, and 10 g baking soda in 1 liter of water; strain and add 1 ml liquid soap as surfactant; apply twice weekly.
- Potato‑leaf extract – Boil 200 g fresh potato leaves in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes, cool, add 1 ml mild detergent, and spray every 4 days.
- Soap‑water spray – Dissolve 5 g pure castile soap in 1 liter of water; use as a contact insecticide, reapply after rain.
Folkloric biological control relies on encouraging natural predators. Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) obtained from local horticultural societies, and provide refuge plants such as basil or dill to sustain them. A simple method to attract beneficial insects involves sprinkling a mixture of crushed egg shells and powdered chalk around the base of each plant.
Environmental adjustments complement chemical measures. Keep daytime temperatures between 20 °C and 25 °C, and maintain relative humidity at 60–70 % to disrupt mite life cycles. Install fine mesh screens on ventilation openings to limit entry of external infestations.
Continuous monitoring is essential. Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly with a magnifying lens; look for stippling, webbing, or moving mites. Record infestation levels, and increase spray frequency when thresholds exceed 10 mites per leaf. Prompt removal of newly infested vines prevents spread to healthy plants.