How should strawberries be treated for mites with carbofos? - briefly
Apply carbofos as a foliar spray at the label‑recommended rate (0.5–1 ml L⁻¹), ensuring thorough coverage and repeat after 7–10 days if mite pressure remains. Observe the required pre‑harvest interval (usually 30 days) and avoid treating seedlings younger than four true leaves.
How should strawberries be treated for mites with carbofos? - in detail
Carbofos, an organophosphate insecticide, is applied to strawberry crops to control mite populations. Effective use requires precise dosage, timing, and safety measures.
The recommended field rate for mature strawberry plants is 0.5 kg of active ingredient per hectare, diluted in 200 L of water. For young plants, reduce the concentration to 0.3 kg ha⁻¹. Apply the solution with a calibrated sprayer, ensuring uniform coverage of foliage and undersides of leaves where mites reside.
Application timing should coincide with the early stages of mite colonization, typically when populations reach 5–10 mites per leaf. Conduct scouting weekly; treat only when thresholds are met to avoid unnecessary exposure. Repeat applications at 7‑ to 10‑day intervals if monitoring indicates persistent activity, but limit total applications to three per growing season to reduce resistance risk.
Safety protocols include wearing chemical‑resistant gloves, goggles, and a full‑face respirator. Avoid spraying during windy conditions (wind speed > 5 km h⁻¹) to minimize drift. Observe the pre‑harvest interval of 14 days; harvest only after this period to ensure residue levels comply with regulatory limits.
Environmental precautions: keep the spray away from water bodies and non‑target vegetation. Use buffer zones of at least 10 m from streams. Store carbofos in a locked, ventilated area, separate from foodstuffs and animal feed.
Integrated pest management (IPM) measures complement chemical control. Rotate carbofos with acaricides of different mode of action, introduce predatory mites, and maintain plant vigor through proper nutrition and irrigation. This approach sustains efficacy and reduces the likelihood of mite resistance.