How to eradicate spider mites on eggplants? - briefly
Apply a miticide—such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a sulfur‑based product—directly to all eggplant foliage, covering the undersides, and repeat the treatment every 5–7 days while removing heavily infested leaves.
How to eradicate spider mites on eggplants? - in detail
Spider mites rapidly damage eggplant foliage, causing stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop. Early detection prevents severe loss. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine webbing; use a hand lens to confirm identification.
Cultural measures
- Remove and destroy heavily infested leaves.
- Space plants 18–24 inches apart to improve air circulation.
- Mulch with organic material that suppresses soil‑borne mite populations.
- Water plants at the base, avoiding overhead irrigation that creates a humid environment favorable to mite reproduction.
Biological agents
- Release predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Amblyseius swirskii; apply weekly until mite numbers decline.
- Apply neem oil at 1 % concentration, covering both leaf surfaces; repeat every 7–10 days.
- Use insecticidal soap (2.5 % potassium salts of fatty acids) for direct contact mortality; spray until runoff.
Chemical options
- Select acaricides labeled for solanaceous crops, e.g., abamectin (0.5 mg a.i./L) or spirodiclofen (0.2 mg a.i./L).
- Follow label‑specified pre‑harvest intervals; rotate modes of action to avoid resistance.
- Apply in the early morning or late evening to reduce photodegradation.
Post‑treatment monitoring
- Examine leaves daily for residual mite activity.
- Re‑apply biological or chemical controls if population rebounds exceeds 5 mites per leaf.
- Record treatment dates, products used, and observed efficacy for future reference.
Preventive practices
- Plant resistant eggplant varieties when available.
- Maintain garden hygiene by clearing plant debris after harvest.
- Introduce companion plants such as garlic or marigold that deter mite colonization.
By integrating sanitation, cultural adjustments, natural enemies, and judicious pesticide use, growers can suppress spider mite infestations on eggplants and protect crop yield.