How should mites on strawberries be treated during flowering and fruiting? - briefly
Apply a miticide such as abamectin or spirodiclofen according to label rates, with a repeat application after 7–10 days to protect blossoms and developing fruit. Complement chemical control with cultural measures—weed removal, humidity management, and regular monitoring using sticky traps—to suppress mite numbers throughout flowering and fruiting.
How should mites on strawberries be treated during flowering and fruiting? - in detail
Effective management of mite populations on strawberry crops during bloom and fruit set requires an integrated approach. Initial steps involve regular scouting, with inspections every 5–7 days once flowering begins. Use a 10 × 10 cm beating tray or white paper to dislodge mites from foliage; count individuals to establish an economic threshold of 5–10 mites per leaf.
Cultural measures reduce habitat suitability:
- Remove plant debris and weeds that harbor alternative hosts.
- Maintain optimal irrigation to prevent leaf curling, which favors mite colonisation.
- Space rows 30–45 cm apart to improve air flow and reduce humidity levels that encourage mite proliferation.
Biological controls complement cultural practices:
- Release predatory phytoseiid mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus) at a rate of 500–1 000 predators per m² when populations exceed the threshold.
- Preserve natural enemy habitats by planting flowering strips of buckwheat or alyssum near the field edges.
- Apply entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana as a foliar spray, adhering to label rates of 1 × 10⁹ conidia per hectare.
Chemical interventions are reserved for severe outbreaks:
- Select acaricides with low residue risk for fruit, for example, sulfur‑based products or bifenthrin at the maximum approved concentration of 0.5 kg ha⁻¹.
- Observe pre‑harvest intervals: sulfur – 3 days, bifenthrin – 7 days.
- Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance; avoid consecutive applications of the same mode of action.
Resistant cultivars provide long‑term protection. Choose varieties documented to exhibit reduced mite colonisation, such as ‘Camarosa’ or ‘Albion’, and integrate them with the other tactics.
Monitoring continues throughout fruit maturation. Adjust predator releases or spray schedules according to weekly counts. Record all interventions in a field log to refine future management plans and ensure compliance with food‑safety regulations.