How should the product Fitoverm be properly diluted for treating cucumbers for spider mites? - briefly
Use 1 ml of Fitoverm per litre of water, applying the mixture to cucumber foliage until runoff. Re‑apply at 7‑day intervals while spider‑mite activity persists.
How should the product Fitoverm be properly diluted for treating cucumbers for spider mites? - in detail
Fitoverm contains abamectin, a systemic acaricide effective against spider mites on cucumber crops. The label specifies a concentration of 0.025 g a.i. per liter of water for foliar spray. To achieve this rate, mix 5 ml of the 5 % a.i. commercial formulation in 1 liter of clean water. For larger volumes, scale proportionally (e.g., 50 ml in 10 liters).
When preparing the solution:
- Measure the product with a calibrated syringe or graduated cylinder.
- Add the measured volume to a partially filled tank, then fill to the final volume with water.
- Agitate gently to ensure uniform dispersion; avoid vigorous shaking that can create foam.
- Perform a test spray on a single leaf to verify even coverage before treating the entire plot.
Apply the spray in the early morning or late afternoon when leaf surface temperature is below 30 °C to reduce phytotoxic risk. Ensure complete wetting of both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Repeat applications at 7‑day intervals, or sooner if mite pressure exceeds economic thresholds. Do not exceed three applications within a 21‑day period.
Safety measures include wearing gloves, goggles, and a respirator during mixing. Observe a pre‑harvest interval of 3 days for cucumbers, as indicated on the product label. Rinse equipment thoroughly after use to prevent cross‑contamination.
After each treatment, inspect plants 24 hours later for signs of leaf burn or abnormal discoloration. Adjust the dilution slightly downward if any phytotoxic symptoms appear, but never lower the concentration below the recommended 0.025 g a.i. L⁻¹, as efficacy against spider mites would be compromised. Continuous monitoring of mite populations will guide the timing of subsequent sprays.