How should spider mites on currants be treated now? - briefly
Apply a miticide—preferably a neem‑oil or sulfur‑based spray—directly to affected foliage, and prune heavily infested shoots to reduce mite populations. Continue weekly inspections and repeat treatments until leaf damage ceases.
How should spider mites on currants be treated now? - in detail
Spider mite infestations on currant bushes require an integrated approach that combines preventive cultural practices, biological agents, and, when necessary, targeted acaricide applications.
Effective monitoring begins with weekly inspection of foliage, focusing on the undersides of leaves where mites congregate. Light‑colored stippling, fine webbing, and the presence of moving specks indicate population buildup. A threshold of 5 mites per leaf square centimeter justifies intervention.
Cultural measures reduce habitat suitability. Prune densely packed shoots to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which discourages mite reproduction. Remove and destroy fallen leaves and fruit that can harbor overwintering stages. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as lush growth favors mite development.
Biological control agents provide sustainable suppression. Release predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus at a rate of 10 – 15 predators per square meter when mite numbers exceed the monitoring threshold. Ensure adequate humidity (≥60 %) to support predator establishment.
When chemical control is required, select acaricides with low residual activity to protect beneficial organisms. Recommended products include sulfur dust (applied at 2 kg / ha), neem oil (2 % concentration), and spirodiclofen (0.5 % soluble concentrate). Apply according to label directions, rotating modes of action to delay resistance. Treatments should be timed for early morning or late afternoon to minimize photodegradation and non‑target exposure.
Post‑treatment evaluation involves re‑inspecting treated plants after 7‑10 days to confirm mite decline and predator retention. Record observations in a garden log to refine future decision‑making.
Combining vigilant scouting, canopy management, predator augmentation, and judicious acaricide use delivers reliable control of spider mites on currants under current conditions.