How to combat a strawberry mite? - briefly
Apply registered acaricides according to label rates and schedule, focusing on early‑season treatments when populations first appear. Complement chemical control with sanitation, removal of infested foliage, and regular monitoring to keep infestations below economic thresholds.
How to combat a strawberry mite? - in detail
Strawberry mite infestations require an integrated approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical measures.
Effective cultural practices reduce the likelihood of severe outbreaks. Remove plant debris and weeds that harbor mites, and maintain proper spacing between plants to improve airflow. Rotate strawberry beds with non‑host crops for at least two years, and avoid planting in the same location year after year. Soil mulches, such as straw or black plastic, should be kept clean and replaced regularly to prevent mite migration.
Biological control agents can suppress populations without harming beneficial insects. Predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus) are released onto foliage at a rate of 1–2 × 10⁴ individuals per hectare. Ensure adequate humidity (≥60 %) for predator establishment, and avoid broad‑spectrum insecticides that would eliminate these allies.
When chemical intervention becomes necessary, select products with proven efficacy against the target pest and rotate active ingredients to delay resistance. Recommended options include:
- Abamectin: apply at 0.5 ml L⁻¹, repeat every 7–10 days until mite counts fall below economic threshold.
- Spiromesifen: spray at 300 g ha⁻¹, observe a 2‑week pre‑harvest interval.
- Sulfur dust: dust leaves at 2 kg ha⁻¹, reapply after rainfall.
Follow label instructions precisely, wear protective equipment, and record each application to track resistance development.
Monitoring is essential for timely action. Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly with a 10× hand lens, counting mites per leaf segment. Trigger interventions when densities exceed 5 mites per leaf or when damage exceeds 10 % of foliage.
Combining sanitation, crop rotation, predator releases, and judicious pesticide use creates a resilient system that keeps strawberry mite populations below damaging levels while preserving overall orchard health.