How to treat a tick on cucumbers in a greenhouse? - briefly
Inspect plants regularly, rinse leaves with a strong water jet to dislodge mites, then treat the crop with a neem‑oil spray or approved miticide, covering both foliage and stems. Keep humidity low and ensure good ventilation to prevent recurrence.
How to treat a tick on cucumbers in a greenhouse? - in detail
Treating a cucumber tick infestation in a greenhouse requires a systematic approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical measures.
First, reduce environmental conditions that favor the pest. Keep temperature between 20‑25 °C and maintain relative humidity below 70 %. Increase airflow with fans and avoid excessive leaf wetness. Remove plant debris and prune heavily infested vines to limit shelter.
Second, introduce natural enemies. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus effectively suppress tick populations. Release rates of 1–2 predators per square centimeter of leaf surface are recommended, followed by weekly monitoring and supplemental releases if prey density remains high.
Third, apply miticidal treatments only when thresholds are exceeded (e.g., >5 ticks per leaf). Use products approved for greenhouse use, rotating active ingredients to prevent resistance. A typical protocol includes:
- Contact acaricide (e.g., pyrethrin‑based spray) – apply at label‑specified concentration, repeat after 7 days.
- Systemic acaricide (e.g., abamectin) – apply as a soil drench or foliar spray, observe pre‑harvest interval.
- Oil‑based spray (e.g., horticultural oil) – cover all foliage, especially undersides, to suffocate mites; reapply after 10‑14 days.
Fourth, implement regular scouting. Inspect the undersides of leaves at least twice weekly, using a hand lens to count individuals. Record data to adjust control tactics promptly.
Finally, maintain sanitation between crops. Disinfect benches, tools, and irrigation equipment with a 10 % bleach solution or a suitable horticultural disinfectant. Rotate cucumber varieties and avoid planting susceptible cultivars in the same location for consecutive cycles.
By integrating environmental management, biological control, targeted chemical applications, and vigilant monitoring, greenhouse growers can effectively eliminate cucumber tick infestations while minimizing crop damage and resistance development.