How to treat a strawberry tick? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight out; then disinfect the bite site and watch for signs of infection or allergic reaction. If redness, swelling, or fever develop, seek medical attention promptly.
How to treat a strawberry tick? - in detail
Strawberry tick, caused by spider mites that feed on leaf tissue, leads to speckled discoloration and reduced fruit quality. Immediate action is required to halt the infestation and protect the crop.
First, isolate affected plants to prevent spread. Remove heavily damaged foliage and dispose of it away from the field. Wash remaining leaves with a strong jet of water to dislodge mobile mites.
Next, apply control measures:
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Cultural tactics
• Maintain leaf humidity above 60 % by mulching and regular overhead irrigation.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which encourages rapid leaf growth and mite proliferation.
• Rotate strawberries with non‑host crops such as legumes for at least two years. -
Biological agents
• Release predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) at a rate of 5 000 predators per square meter.
• Apply neem oil or horticultural oil at 1–2 % concentration, covering both leaf tops and undersides. -
Chemical options
• Use acaricides containing abamectin, bifenthrin, or spiromesifen, following label‑specified dosage (typically 0.5–1 ml L⁻¹).
• Rotate active ingredients every 7–10 days to avoid resistance buildup.
• Observe pre‑harvest intervals to ensure residue compliance.
Finally, monitor the field weekly with a 10 × 10 cm leaf sample examined under a magnifying lens. Record mite counts per leaf; if numbers exceed 5 mites per leaf, repeat the chosen control method. Continuous surveillance combined with the integrated approach above will suppress the pest and restore plant vigor.