How to spray strawberries for spider mites? - briefly
Apply a fine mist of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to fully coat strawberry leaves, both tops and undersides, during early morning or late afternoon to minimize phytotoxicity. Re‑treat every 5–7 days until mites are suppressed, alternating products to avoid resistance.
How to spray strawberries for spider mites? - in detail
Treating strawberry plants for spider mite infestations requires a systematic approach that combines accurate identification, appropriate pesticide selection, precise mixing, and disciplined application.
First, verify the presence of spider mites by inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine webbing. Use a magnifying lens if necessary. Remove heavily infested foliage to reduce the population before chemical treatment.
Select a control agent based on efficacy and plant safety. Options include:
- Neem oil (5 % concentration) – a botanical insecticide that disrupts mite feeding.
- Insecticidal soap (2–5 % solution) – works by suffocating the pests.
- Abamectin (0.5–1 mg L⁻¹) – a synthetic acaricide with rapid knock‑down.
- Spinosad (0.5 % suspension) – effective against mobile stages.
Prepare the spray mixture according to the product label. For neem oil, combine 30 ml per 10 L of water; for insecticidal soap, dissolve 50 ml per 10 L; for abamectin, dissolve the measured amount in a small volume of water before adding to the tank; for spinosad, shake the bottle and add the recommended volume to the spray tank. Add a non‑ionic surfactant (0.1 % v/v) to improve leaf coverage.
Apply the solution during cool, calm weather: temperature between 15 °C and 25 °C, wind speed below 5 km h⁻¹, and no rain forecast for at least 6 hours. Use a fine‑mist sprayer to ensure thorough coverage of the leaf underside, where mites reside. Spray until runoff begins, then stop to avoid phytotoxicity.
Schedule repeat applications at 5‑ to 7‑day intervals until mite counts fall below economic thresholds. Rotate chemistries with different modes of action to delay resistance development; for example, alternate neem oil with spinosad.
After each treatment, monitor the crop by sampling 10 random leaves per plot and counting mites under a hand lens. Record observations and adjust the program if populations persist.
Finally, observe safety protocols: wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator if required by the product label. Store chemicals in a locked, ventilated area and dispose of empty containers according to local regulations.