How should a mite infestation on strawberries be treated? - briefly
Apply a miticide (e.g., abamectin, spinosad) at the recommended rate, rotate with neem oil or predatory phytoseiid mites, and prune heavily infested foliage while maintaining good airflow.
How should a mite infestation on strawberries be treated? - in detail
Mite populations on strawberry plants require rapid identification and a coordinated management plan. Begin with scouting: inspect leaves, especially the undersides, for stippled discoloration, webbing, and moving mites. Confirm species, as two‑spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) and broad‑necked mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) demand different thresholds.
Cultural tactics reduce habitat suitability. Remove plant debris after harvest, maintain adequate spacing to improve airflow, and avoid excessive nitrogen that encourages rapid foliage growth. Irrigate with fine sprays to dislodge mites; moisture alone does not eradicate them but can lower numbers temporarily.
Biological agents provide long‑term suppression. Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus at a rate of 10–20 k per hectare. Release them early in the season and repeat applications every 7–10 days until pest levels drop below economic thresholds. Preserve native beneficial insects by limiting broad‑spectrum insecticides.
Chemical options serve as a last resort. Select acaricides with low residual activity and proven efficacy on strawberries, for example sulfur, neem oil, or abamectin. Apply according to label rates, targeting the leaf underside during the coolest part of the day to minimize phytotoxicity. Rotate active ingredients with different modes of action to prevent resistance development; follow a 7‑day pre‑harvest interval for food safety.
Monitoring continues throughout the growing cycle. Record mite counts weekly, adjust control measures when populations exceed 5–10 mites per leaf, and document all interventions. Integrating scouting, cultural adjustments, biological releases, and judicious chemical use creates a robust framework for managing strawberry mite outbreaks while preserving crop quality and environmental health.