How should Fitoverma be used for spider mite on eggplants in a greenhouse? - briefly
Apply Fitoverma as a foliar spray at the manufacturer‑recommended rate of 0.5 L ha⁻¹, diluting the product in water and covering all leaf surfaces of eggplants in the greenhouse; repeat the application every 7–10 days until spider‑mite populations fall below economic thresholds. Use a fine mist nozzle, ensure thorough coverage of undersides, and observe a 24‑hour pre‑harvest interval.
How should Fitoverma be used for spider mite on eggplants in a greenhouse? - in detail
Fitoverma is a systemic acaricide containing spirodiclofen, effective against Tetranychus urticae on Solanum melongena cultivated in protected environments. Proper application requires attention to dosage, timing, coverage, and resistance‑management practices.
The recommended concentration for greenhouse eggplant is 0.15 ml L⁻¹ of the commercial formulation, delivering an active ingredient rate of 30 g ha⁻¹. Mix the product in clean water, stir until uniform, and apply with a fine‑mist sprayer to ensure leaf underside coverage. Apply early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid rapid photodegradation; temperatures should not exceed 30 °C and relative humidity should be above 60 % to promote leaf wetness and absorption.
A treatment schedule typically follows a 7‑day interval, beginning when spider‑mite populations reach the economic threshold of 5 adult mites per leaf. After the first application, monitor populations every 2 days; if counts remain above threshold, repeat the spray. Do not exceed three consecutive applications without a 14‑day pause to mitigate resistance buildup.
Integrate Fitoverma with cultural controls:
- Remove heavily infested leaves and dispose of plant debris.
- Maintain optimal ventilation to reduce humidity spikes that favor mite reproduction.
- Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) after the final Fitoverma application, allowing a 48‑hour gap to avoid chemical exposure.
Safety measures:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a protective suit during mixing and spraying.
- Keep the product away from open water sources; runoff should be collected.
- Observe pre‑harvest interval of 7 days before marketable fruit is harvested.
Record keeping: log application date, concentration, weather conditions, and mite counts. This documentation supports compliance with greenhouse certification standards and assists in evaluating efficacy over successive growing cycles.