How do you treat strawberries for spider mite? - briefly
Apply a miticide—neem oil, spinosad, or a sulfur‑based product—directly to the leaves, ensuring thorough coverage and re‑treating every 7‑10 days until mites are gone. Remove heavily infested foliage, maintain good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to prevent recurrence.
How do you treat strawberries for spider mite? - in detail
Spider mite infestations on strawberry plants require an integrated approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical tactics.
First, reduce conditions that favor mite development. Maintain moderate humidity by watering at the soil level and avoiding overhead irrigation. Remove weeds and ground cover that shelter pests. Thin dense foliage to improve air circulation and expose leaf undersides where mites congregate.
Second, introduce natural enemies. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus consume spider mites and can be released weekly until populations decline. Lady beetles and lacewings also contribute to control.
Third, apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Spray a fine mist of neem oil, horticultural oil, or potassium salts (e.g., neem or pyrethrin formulations) early in the morning or late afternoon. Cover both leaf surfaces, focusing on the undersides. Repeat applications every 5–7 days, or after rain, until mite numbers are negligible.
Fourth, use selective miticides when necessary. Products containing abamectin, spirodiclofen, or pyridaben offer rapid knock‑down but should be rotated to prevent resistance. Follow label rates, apply during calm weather, and observe a pre‑harvest interval.
Finally, monitor regularly. Inspect the undersides of leaves with a hand lens or magnifying glass twice weekly. Look for stippling, webbing, and moving mites. Record counts to gauge the effectiveness of each measure and adjust the program accordingly.
By combining sanitation, biological agents, oil‑based sprays, and judicious miticide use, growers can suppress spider mite populations on strawberries while minimizing crop damage and chemical residues.