How to make phytoverm for spraying cucumbers in a greenhouse against spider mites? - briefly
Combine 1 % neem oil, 0.5 % liquid soap (as an emulsifier), and distilled water to a total volume of 10 L; stir thoroughly, let the mixture sit 15 minutes, then filter and apply to cucumber foliage in the greenhouse with a fine‑mist sprayer, covering both leaf surfaces. Use this preparation every 5–7 days during spider‑mite outbreaks, adjusting concentration if phytotoxicity appears.
How to make phytoverm for spraying cucumbers in a greenhouse against spider mites? - in detail
To produce an effective phytoverm spray for cucumber crops grown in a greenhouse and target spider mite infestations, follow a precise formulation and application protocol.
Begin with a high‑quality, water‑soluble phytoverm concentrate. A typical dosage is 1 ml of concentrate per 1 liter of water, delivering an active ingredient concentration of approximately 0.1 % w/v. Adjust the rate according to the product label, but do not exceed the maximum recommended volume.
Ingredients and proportions (for 10 L of spray solution):
- Phytoverm concentrate: 10 ml
- Soft water (≤ 5 dH): 9.9 L
- Optional adjuvant (non‑ionic surfactant): 0.5 ml per 10 L to improve leaf coverage
- pH‑adjusting agent (if required): dilute acetic acid or sodium bicarbonate to maintain pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Preparation steps:
- Fill a clean mixing tank with 9.9 L of softened water.
- Add the surfactant, stir gently for 30 seconds.
- Introduce the phytoverm concentrate, mix for 2 minutes to ensure uniform distribution.
- Measure the solution pH; adjust if necessary, then record the final pH.
- Transfer the mixture to a calibrated spray pump or backpack sprayer, avoiding foam formation.
Application guidelines:
- Apply when the greenhouse temperature is between 18 °C and 25 °C and relative humidity is 60–70 % to maximize leaf wetness duration.
- Spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly; spider mites reside in protected leaf crevices.
- Use a fine‑mist nozzle delivering droplets of 30–50 µm for optimal coverage.
- Conduct the first treatment at the first sign of mite activity, then repeat every 5–7 days until populations fall below economic thresholds.
- Rotate with a compatible miticide (e.g., neem oil) after three consecutive phytoverm applications to delay resistance development.
Safety and storage:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a protective mask during mixing and spraying.
- Store the concentrate in a cool, dark place, sealed tightly; shelf life is typically 12 months.
- Rinse equipment with clean water after each use to prevent residue buildup.
Troubleshooting common issues:
- Insufficient control: Verify concentration, ensure proper leaf coverage, and confirm that the spray solution remained within the recommended pH range.
- Phytotoxicity signs (leaf burn, discoloration): Reduce application rate to 0.5 ml L⁻¹, check for hard water minerals, and consider adding a chelating agent.
- Rapid re‑infestation: Increase spray frequency, improve greenhouse ventilation to reduce humidity spikes, and integrate biological control agents such as predatory mites.
Adhering to the outlined formulation, preparation, and deployment protocol will deliver consistent mite suppression while preserving cucumber plant health and fruit quality.