How to dilute Fitoverm for treating cucumbers for spider mite in an open field? - briefly
Mix 5 ml of Fitoverm concentrate with 10 L of water to obtain a 0.05 % solution and spray uniformly on cucumber foliage until runoff, repeating every 7–10 days while spider‑mite activity persists.
How to dilute Fitoverm for treating cucumbers for spider mite in an open field? - in detail
Fitoverm, a phosphoric acid‑based miticide, requires precise dilution to achieve effective control of Tetranychus urticae on cucumber crops grown outdoors. The recommended concentration for field applications ranges from 0.5 % to 1 % active ingredient, depending on infestation severity and growth stage of the plants.
First, prepare a clean, calibrated mixing container capable of holding the total volume of spray solution. For a standard 10‑liter tank, follow one of the dilution schemes:
-
Light infestation – 0.5 % solution
• Add 50 ml of Fitoverm concentrate.
• Fill the tank with water to the 10‑liter mark.
• Stir gently to ensure uniform distribution. -
Moderate to heavy infestation – 1 % solution
• Add 100 ml of Fitoverm concentrate.
• Complete the volume with water to 10 liters.
• Mix thoroughly.
When scaling the mixture, maintain the same ratio of concentrate to water (5 ml per liter for 0.5 % or 10 ml per liter for 1 %). Use a calibrated measuring device for each addition to avoid under‑ or over‑dosing.
Application timing is critical. Apply the spray in the early morning or late afternoon when leaf surface temperature is below 30 °C and humidity exceeds 60 %. This maximizes leaf wetness and absorption while reducing phytotoxic risk. Avoid application during rain forecast or high wind conditions (>15 km/h), as drift may reduce efficacy and increase off‑target exposure.
Equipment considerations:
- Use a low‑pressure, fine‑mist sprayer with a nozzle size of 0.8–1.0 mm to achieve a droplet spectrum that adheres to foliage without runoff.
- Clean the sprayer thoroughly before and after use to prevent residue buildup, which could affect subsequent pesticide applications.
Safety measures:
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and an impermeable suit.
- Ensure that the spray area is free from non‑target organisms, especially pollinators, during the application window.
- Store any remaining concentrate in a locked, ventilated cabinet away from heat sources.
Post‑application monitoring:
- Inspect cucumber leaves 24–48 hours after treatment for signs of mite mortality.
- Record mite counts and plant vigor to assess control level.
- If necessary, repeat the treatment after a 7‑day interval, adhering to the same dilution rates, but do not exceed four applications per growing season to prevent resistance development.
Following these guidelines provides a systematic approach to preparing and applying Fitoverm for spider mite management in open‑field cucumber production.