How do you fight mites on eggplants? - briefly
Apply horticultural oil or neem oil to the undersides of leaves, re‑applying weekly during active infestations, and introduce predatory mites as biological control. Maintain proper plant spacing, avoid overhead watering, and keep foliage dry to discourage mite development.
How do you fight mites on eggplants? - in detail
Mite infestations on eggplant plants develop quickly when temperatures rise above 20 °C and humidity remains low. Adult females lay eggs on leaf undersides; larvae feed on cell contents, causing stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop. Early detection prevents severe yield loss.
Regular scouting is essential. Inspect the lower leaf surface with a magnifying lens every 5–7 days. Look for tiny moving dots, webbing, or the characteristic “silver” discoloration. When population density exceeds five mites per leaf, initiate control measures.
Cultural tactics
- Remove weeds and plant debris that shelter mites.
- Rotate crops with non‑solanaceous species for at least two seasons.
- Space plants 60–90 cm apart to improve air flow and reduce leaf microclimate favoring mites.
- Apply a fine mulch layer to keep soil moisture stable, discouraging mite migration from the ground.
Mechanical actions
- Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites; repeat after 48 hours.
- Prune heavily infested shoots and discard them away from the garden.
Biological options
- Release predatory phytoseiid mites (e.g., Neoseiulus californicus or Phytoseiulus persimilis) at a rate of 10 000 predators per square meter.
- Encourage indigenous predators by planting nectar‑producing herbs such as dill, fennel, or coriander nearby.
- Apply entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) according to label instructions; efficacy improves under high humidity.
Chemical interventions
- Use horticultural oil or neem oil at 1–2 % concentration, covering both leaf surfaces. Apply early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid phototoxicity.
- If oil‑based products fail, select a miticide registered for solanaceous crops, such as abamectin, and apply at the lowest effective dose. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance development.
Integrated approach
Combine scouting, cultural sanitation, and predator release as a baseline. Reserve oil or neem treatments for outbreak thresholds, and reserve synthetic miticides for severe cases where other tactics have not reduced populations within two weeks. Record each intervention, pest count, and weather conditions to refine future management cycles.