How does spider mite appear on cucumbers? - briefly
Spider mites infest cucumber plants under warm, low‑humidity conditions; adult females deposit eggs on the leaf undersides, and the hatched larvae feed on cell sap, producing stippled foliage and fine webbing.
How does spider mite appear on cucumbers? - in detail
Spider mites colonize cucumber plants through a sequence of biological and environmental steps. Adult females lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, preferring the humid microclimate created by dense foliage. Each egg hatches in 2–5 days, releasing a mobile larva that feeds on cell contents, causing stippling and discoloration. After two molts, the larva becomes a nymph, then matures into a reproductive adult within 5–10 days, depending on temperature and humidity.
Key factors that facilitate infestation include:
- Warm temperatures (25‑30 °C) that accelerate development cycles.
- Low relative humidity, which reduces the effectiveness of natural predators.
- Over‑fertilization with nitrogen, producing tender foliage attractive to mites.
- Dense canopy that limits air circulation and creates micro‑environments favorable for egg laying.
Dispersal occurs via wind currents, garden tools, and contaminated seed or transplants. When a plant is stressed—by drought, herbicide exposure, or mechanical injury—its defenses weaken, allowing mite populations to increase rapidly. Once established, colonies expand outward from the initial leaf, exploiting adjacent vines and fruits.
Detection relies on visual inspection of leaf undersides for tiny, moving specks (0.1–0.5 mm) and the presence of fine webbing. Early signs include pale, speckled lesions that may merge into larger necrotic areas if control measures are not implemented.