How can I treat spider mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse during fruiting using folk remedies? - briefly
Use a 1 % solution of neem oil («neem oil») blended with water, or a spray of mild liquid soap plus a teaspoon of finely ground garlic, applied to cucumber foliage every 5–7 days during fruit set. Complement the treatment with predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or a rosemary decoction sprayed in the same manner to suppress spider‑mite populations.
How can I treat spider mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse during fruiting using folk remedies? - in detail
Spider mite infestations appear as tiny specks on the undersides of cucumber leaves, often accompanied by fine webbing and stippled foliage. Early detection prevents rapid population growth, which can compromise fruit quality and yield.
Cultural measures reduce mite habitat. Maintain relative humidity above 60 % by misting or using humidifiers; high humidity hampers mite reproduction. Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid stagnant air and excessive heat. Remove and destroy heavily infested leaves, especially those with visible webbing. Rotate cucumber cultivars each season and avoid planting near previously affected crops.
Folk‑based sprays provide direct control. Prepare each remedy according to the indicated concentration, apply to both leaf surfaces until runoff, and repeat every five to seven days until populations decline.
- Neem oil emulsion – Mix 2 ml cold‑pressed neem oil with 1 l of water and a few drops of liquid soap as an emulsifier. Spray thoroughly during early morning or late afternoon to minimize leaf burn.
- Insecticidal soap – Dissolve 5 % (by weight) of pure castile soap in water. Apply a fine mist, ensuring coverage of leaf undersides. Re‑apply after rain or heavy watering.
- Garlic‑pepper decoction – Blend 4 cloves of garlic and 1 tsp crushed hot pepper with 500 ml water. Let steep for 24 h, strain, then dilute with an additional 500 ml water. Spray at 10‑minute intervals for three consecutive days.
- Tobacco infusion – Soak 30 g of dry tobacco leaves in 1 l of warm water for 12 h, filter, and dilute 1 : 5 with fresh water. Use as a foliar spray, avoiding contact with ripe fruit to prevent residue.
- Wood ash slurry – Combine equal parts of fine wood ash and water, let settle, then dilute the supernatant 1 : 10. Apply to soil surface and foliage; ash’s high pH deters mite development.
- Diatomaceous earth dusting – Lightly dust the leaf underside with food‑grade diatomaceous earth after watering. Re‑apply after rainfall to maintain effectiveness.
Integrate these treatments with regular monitoring. Use a hand lens to inspect leaf undersides weekly; a mite count below five per leaf denotes acceptable control. If infestation persists, increase spray frequency or alternate remedies to prevent resistance.
Finally, protect developing fruit by covering cucumbers with breathable mesh or row covers during spray applications. This prevents direct contact with residues while allowing pollination and air flow.