How to treat cucumbers with phytoverm against tick? - briefly
Apply Phytoverm as a foliar spray at the label‑specified concentration (approximately 5 ml per litre of water), ensuring full coverage of cucumber foliage and stems before tick activity begins. Repeat the application weekly until the pest population is eradicated.
How to treat cucumbers with phytoverm against tick? - in detail
Treating cucumber plants with phytoverm to control ticks requires precise preparation, correct timing, and strict adherence to safety guidelines. The following information outlines the essential elements of an effective program.
The active ingredient in phytoverm is Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), a biological larvicide that targets dipteran larvae, including tick vectors that develop in moist soil. For cucumber cultivation, the product is applied as a foliar spray and soil drench to reach both adult ticks on foliage and immature stages in the root zone.
Preparation of the solution
- Measure the recommended concentration: 0.5 g of granulated phytoverm per 10 L of water for foliar application; 1 g per 10 L for soil drench.
- Dissolve the granules completely before adding any adjuvants.
- Add a non‑ionic surfactant (0.1 % v/v) to improve leaf coverage.
- Stir the mixture gently for 5 minutes to ensure uniform distribution.
Application timing
- Initiate treatment at the onset of cucumber flowering, when tick activity peaks.
- Repeat applications every 7–10 days during the high‑risk period (typically 4–6 weeks).
- Conduct a final drench two weeks before harvest to reduce residual tick populations.
Method of application
- Use a calibrated sprayer to deliver 200–250 mL m⁻² of the foliar solution, covering both leaf surfaces.
- For soil treatment, apply 500 mL m⁻² directly to the root zone, ensuring penetration to a depth of 5 cm.
- Avoid runoff by applying during calm weather (wind speed < 5 km h⁻¹) and at temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C.
Safety and environmental considerations
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask during mixing and spraying.
- Store the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Phytoverm degrades rapidly in sunlight; environmental impact on non‑target organisms is minimal when used at recommended rates.
- Record each application date, dosage, and weather conditions for traceability.
Monitoring and evaluation
- Inspect cucumber foliage weekly for tick presence, using a hand lens to count individuals per leaf.
- Maintain a log of counts; a reduction of ≥ 80 % compared with pre‑treatment levels indicates satisfactory control.
- Adjust interval between applications if tick counts plateau above the target threshold.
Following these procedures ensures consistent suppression of tick populations on cucumber crops while preserving plant health and complying with integrated pest‑management standards.