How should Fitoverm be properly diluted to treat spider mites on cucumbers? - briefly
Mix Fitoverm at 1 ml per liter of water and spray cucumber leaves until runoff, repeating the treatment every 7–10 days while mites are active. Apply in early morning or late evening to minimize plant stress.
How should Fitoverm be properly diluted to treat spider mites on cucumbers? - in detail
Fitoverm must be mixed with water before spraying cucumber foliage. Use a calibrated measuring device to ensure accuracy.
- Dilution rate: 0.5 mL of Fitoverm per 1 L of clean water yields a concentration of 0.05 % (w/v). This level is effective against Tetranychus urticae without causing phytotoxicity.
- Application volume: Apply 200–250 mL of the solution per square meter of canopy. Adjust for plant density; denser growth requires the higher end of the range.
- Timing: Spray early morning or late afternoon when leaf temperature is below 30 °C and humidity is above 60 %. Avoid direct sunlight during application to reduce leaf burn.
- Frequency: Conduct three applications at 5‑day intervals. After the third treatment, assess mite counts; if populations persist, a fourth application may be warranted after a 7‑day pause.
- Equipment: Use a fine‑mist sprayer calibrated to deliver 100 psi. Clean the nozzle before each use to prevent clogging.
- Safety precautions: Wear gloves and goggles. Do not exceed the recommended concentration; higher rates increase risk of plant injury and residue buildup.
- Resistance management: Rotate Fitoverm with a different mode of action (e.g., a pyrethroid or a botanical oil) after two consecutive treatments to delay resistance development.
Mix the solution immediately before use; prolonged storage reduces efficacy. Rinse equipment with water after each application to avoid cross‑contamination. Follow local pesticide regulations regarding maximum residue limits for cucumbers.