How to treat spider mite on cucumbers? - briefly
Apply a miticide such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering leaf undersides and re‑applying every 5–7 days until mites disappear. Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) and maintain high foliage humidity to suppress further outbreaks.
How to treat spider mite on cucumbers? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on cucumber foliage, causing stippling, yellowing, and webbing. Damage reduces photosynthetic capacity and can lead to premature leaf drop.
Cultural measures reduce population buildup.
- Keep plants well‑watered; frequent, deep irrigation washes mites off leaf surfaces.
- Maintain humidity above 60 % when possible; low humidity favors rapid reproduction.
- Remove and destroy heavily infested leaves or whole plants to eliminate breeding sites.
- Space cucumbers to improve airflow and lower leaf temperature.
- Rotate crops and avoid planting cucumbers after known mite outbreaks.
Biological agents suppress infestations without residues.
- Release predatory phytoseiid mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; they consume all life stages of the pest.
- Introduce lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla spp.) and lady beetle species (Coleomegilla maculata, Coccinellidae); both prey on spider mites.
- Apply entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana; spores infect and kill mites under suitable humidity.
Chemical options are reserved for severe cases.
- Use neem oil at 1–2 % concentration, applying to both leaf tops and undersides; repeat every 7–10 days until populations decline.
- Apply sulfur‑based miticides (e.g., potassium bisulfate) at label‑recommended rates; avoid contact with pollinators by spraying in early morning or late evening.
- For conventional growers, select synthetic acaricides such as abamectin or spiromesifen, rotating modes of action to prevent resistance.
- Observe pre‑harvest intervals and resistance management guidelines.
Monitoring ensures timely intervention.
- Inspect the underside of leaves weekly with a hand lens; count mites per leaf segment to gauge thresholds.
- Record environmental conditions, especially temperature and humidity, to predict population spikes.
- Adjust cultural, biological, or chemical tactics based on observed pressure, aiming for integrated pest management.