How should spider mites on peppers in a greenhouse be treated? - briefly
Apply a miticide such as abamectin or neem oil and regularly spray water to dislodge mites, while introducing predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) for biological control. Keep greenhouse humidity below 60 % and prune heavily infested leaves to limit spread.
How should spider mites on peppers in a greenhouse be treated? - in detail
Effective control of spider mites on greenhouse-grown peppers requires an integrated strategy that combines cultural, biological, and chemical measures. Early detection and rapid response prevent population explosions that can damage foliage and reduce yields.
Maintain optimal environmental conditions to limit mite reproduction. Keep humidity above 60 % during the day and avoid excessive temperatures above 30 °C. Reduce plant density to improve air circulation and allow thorough inspection of leaf undersides. Remove heavily infested plants or prune affected foliage to lower the initial pest load.
Implement a monitoring program with sticky traps and weekly leaf inspections. Use a threshold of 5–10 mites per leaf (counted on the underside) before initiating treatment. Record counts to track population trends and evaluate control efficacy.
Introduce predatory agents such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, or Amblyseius swirskii. Release rates of 50–100 predatory mites per plant at the first sign of infestation. Provide adequate pollen or alternative food sources to sustain predator populations during periods of low mite density.
When chemical intervention is necessary, select miticides with low toxicity to beneficial insects. Rotate products with different modes of action—e.g., abamectin (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), spirotetramat (lipid biosynthesis inhibitor), and sulfur-based formulations. Apply according to label rates, ensuring thorough coverage of the leaf underside. Limit applications to three per season to reduce resistance development.
Sanitation measures include cleaning greenhouse benches, disinfecting tools, and eliminating plant debris that can harbor mites. Replace or treat growing media that shows signs of infestation. Seal entry points to prevent external mite ingress.
By combining environmental management, vigilant scouting, biological control, judicious pesticide use, and strict sanitation, growers can keep spider mite populations below damaging levels and protect pepper crops in greenhouse environments.