How to prepare Phytopharm for ticks on cucumbers in a greenhouse? - briefly
Mix Phytopharm at the label‑specified rate (for example, 20 g per 10 L of water) with a compatible surfactant and stir until completely dissolved. Apply the solution to cucumber foliage in the greenhouse during cool, dry conditions, ensuring full coverage of leaves and stems.
How to prepare Phytopharm for ticks on cucumbers in a greenhouse? - in detail
Phytopharm, a systemic acaricide, must be mixed and applied with precision to control spider mites on cucumber crops grown under greenhouse conditions. Follow the procedure below to ensure optimal efficacy and crop safety.
- Determine the required concentration. The label recommends 0.5 ml of product per liter of water for a standard spray. Adjust for severe infestations by increasing to 0.75 ml L⁻¹, not exceeding the maximum limit indicated on the packaging.
- Measure the volume of water needed for the target area. A typical greenhouse row of 10 m² requires approximately 15 L of spray solution.
- Add the calculated amount of Phytopharm to the water. Stir gently for 1–2 minutes until the formulation is fully dissolved; avoid vigorous shaking that could create foam.
- Verify pH of the mixture. The optimal range is 6.0–7.5; if necessary, correct pH with a small dose of agricultural lime or sulfur, respecting the recommended limits.
- Load the solution into a calibrated sprayer. Calibrate the nozzle to deliver 200 ml m⁻², ensuring uniform coverage of foliage, including the undersides of leaves where mites congregate.
- Apply the spray during the early morning or late afternoon, when leaf temperature is below 25 °C and relative humidity is above 70 %. This timing enhances absorption and reduces phytotoxic risk.
- Observe a pre‑harvest interval of at least 7 days before picking cucumbers, as stipulated by the product registration.
- Record the date, dosage, and environmental conditions in a treatment log. Repeat the application after 7–10 days if mite pressure persists, but limit total treatments to three per growing cycle to avoid resistance buildup.
Safety measures:
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask while handling the concentrate.
- Store the product in a locked, temperature‑controlled area away from direct sunlight.
- Dispose of empty containers according to local hazardous waste regulations.
Monitoring:
- Inspect plants 3–5 days after each application. Count mites on ten randomly selected leaves per row; a reduction of at least 80 % indicates successful control.
- If mite numbers rise, reassess spray coverage and consider integrating biological agents such as predatory mites to complement chemical treatment.
By adhering to these steps, growers can achieve reliable control of spider mite infestations on greenhouse cucumbers while maintaining product compliance and crop quality.