How to prepare a phytovermicide for cucumbers against mites? - briefly
Mix 2 % neem oil with water, add 0.5 % liquid soap as an emulsifier, and apply the spray to cucumber leaves every 5–7 days until mite numbers drop. Use a fine mist to cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces for maximum efficacy.
How to prepare a phytovermicide for cucumbers against mites? - in detail
A botanical pesticide for cucumber mite control can be produced from readily available plant extracts and a few auxiliary agents. The procedure requires precise measurement, proper mixing, and adherence to safety guidelines.
Materials
- Dried neem seed kernels (or neem oil, 100 g)
- Garlic cloves, peeled (30 g)
- Hot pepper pods or cayenne powder (10 g)
- Liquid soap (non‑ionic, 2 % solution) as emulsifier
- Distilled water (1 L)
- Protective gloves and eyewear
Extraction
- Grind neem kernels to a fine powder; steep in 500 mL of hot water (≈80 °C) for 30 minutes.
- Blend garlic and pepper with 200 mL of water; filter through cheesecloth to obtain a clear filtrate.
Formulation
- Combine the neem infusion and the garlic‑pepper filtrate in a clean container.
- Add the soap solution (20 mL) to stabilize the emulsion.
- Adjust the total volume to 1 L with distilled water; stir vigorously for 2 minutes.
Application
- Apply the spray early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn.
- Cover foliage thoroughly until runoff; repeat every 5–7 days during peak mite activity.
- Discontinue use 2 weeks before harvest to comply with residue limits.
Safety and Storage
- Keep the mixture in an opaque, tightly sealed container; store at 4–10 °C.
- Use within 14 days; discard any solution that develops odor or cloudiness.
- Wash equipment and hands after handling; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Following this protocol yields an effective, low‑toxicity preparation that suppresses mite populations on cucumber plants while minimizing impact on beneficial insects.