How should eggplant seedlings be treated against mites? - briefly
Apply a miticide such as sulfur spray or neem oil at the first indication of mite activity, repeating every 7‑10 days and thoroughly covering leaf undersides. Pair chemical control with cultural measures—remove infested foliage, maintain low humidity, and avoid overhead watering—to reduce future outbreaks.
How should eggplant seedlings be treated against mites? - in detail
Mite infestation on young eggplant plants requires early detection, preventive cultural practices, and targeted control measures.
Identify the pest by inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving dots, silvery stippling, or fine webbing. Damage appears as yellowing or bronzing of foliage, which can reduce vigor and yield if left unchecked.
Preventive steps:
- Space seedlings 30–45 cm apart to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
- Keep soil moisture consistent; avoid over‑watering that encourages mite reproduction.
- Rotate crops annually, avoiding planting Solanaceae in the same bed for more than two consecutive seasons.
- Remove weeds and debris that can harbor mite colonies.
Cultural interventions:
- Prune heavily affected leaves promptly, discarding them away from the garden.
- Apply a strong jet of water to foliage once a week; the spray dislodges mites and their eggs without harming the plant.
- Introduce mulch of coarse organic material to lower ground‑level humidity.
Biological controls:
- Release predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus) at a rate of 10 – 20 pairs per square meter when population density exceeds 5 mites per leaf.
- Encourage native predators by planting aromatic herbs such as dill, fennel, and coriander near the seedlings.
Organic chemical options:
- Spray a solution of neem oil (2 % active ingredient) diluted in water, covering both leaf surfaces. Repeat every 7–10 days, stopping two weeks before harvest.
- Use insecticidal soap (1 % potassium salts of fatty acids) at the same interval; ensure thorough coverage to reach hidden mites.
Synthetic acaricides:
- Apply a selective acaricide containing abamectin or spiromesifen following label rates (typically 0.5–1 ml L⁻¹). Observe a pre‑harvest interval of at least 7 days.
- Rotate products with different modes of action to prevent resistance development.
Monitoring:
- Install sticky traps at canopy level; replace weekly to assess population trends.
- Record mite counts per leaf each inspection; initiate control when thresholds exceed 10 mites per leaf.
Integrating these practices reduces mite pressure, preserves seedling health, and supports optimal growth of eggplant crops.