How to identify a tick on pelargonium by photo and how to treat it? - briefly
A spider mite on pelargonium looks like minute, elongated specks (0.2–0.5 mm) that cause stippled, yellowed or bronzed leaf areas, and close‑up photos reveal tiny red‑brown dots often accompanied by fine webbing. Control consists of washing the plant with a strong water spray, applying horticultural or neem oil, and, when necessary, using a labeled miticide for ornamental species.
How to identify a tick on pelargonium by photo and how to treat it? - in detail
Identifying a tick‑like pest on pelargonium through a photograph requires close examination of size, shape, coloration, and the damage it causes. The organism is tiny (0.2–0.5 mm), oval, and often reddish‑brown or pale. On a clear macro‑photo the body appears segmented, with a pair of front legs that may be slightly longer than the rear ones. Look for a fine webbing or silken threads on leaf undersides; these are typical of the species that infest geraniums. The presence of stippled or yellowed patches, especially between veins, indicates feeding activity. If the leaf surface shows minute, raised points rather than smooth tissue, these are the insects themselves.
To confirm the diagnosis, compare the image with reference pictures of common pelargonium pests: spider mites, thrips, and true ticks. Spider mites exhibit a more elongated body and produce a distinct web, whereas thrips are slender and have fringed wings. True ticks are rarely found on foliage; if the specimen matches the described oval shape and coloration, it is most likely a spider mite.
Treatment proceeds in three stages: cultural, mechanical, and chemical.
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Cultural controls
- Increase air circulation by spacing plants 30 cm apart.
- Reduce humidity; misting encourages mite reproduction.
- Remove heavily infested leaves and dispose of them away from the garden.
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Mechanical measures
- Wash foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests.
- Apply a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to individual insects visible on the leaf surface.
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Chemical options
- Use neem oil at 2 % concentration, spraying until runoff; repeat every 5–7 days until the population declines.
- Apply a horticultural oil (e.g., horticultural mineral oil) at the label‑recommended rate; cover both leaf tops and undersides.
- For severe outbreaks, a synthetic acaricide containing abamectin may be employed, observing the pre‑harvest interval and safety instructions.
Monitoring after each treatment is essential. Capture a new photograph weekly to track changes in pest numbers and leaf condition. When counts fall below the economic threshold—typically fewer than three mites per leaf—maintenance practices can replace active interventions.