There is spider mite on cucumbers, what should be sprayed? - briefly
Apply a horticultural oil (e.g., neem or mineral oil) or insecticidal soap to cover the foliage thoroughly; for heavy infestations, use a registered acaricide such as abamectin or spinosad according to label directions.
There is spider mite on cucumbers, what should be sprayed? - in detail
Spider mite infestations on cucumber plants require prompt treatment to prevent leaf damage and yield loss. Effective options fall into three categories: synthetic miticides, botanical oils, and biological controls.
Synthetic miticides
- Abamectin (0.5–1 ml L⁻¹) – systemic, kills active mites, provides residual activity for 7–10 days.
- Spiromesifen (0.1–0.2 g L⁻¹) – inhibits lipid synthesis, effective against all life stages.
- Bifenthrin (0.02–0.04 ml L⁻¹) – contact insecticide, rapid knock‑down, limited residual period.
Apply when mite density exceeds 5 mites per leaf, use calibrated sprayers, and observe pre‑harvest interval (PHI) on the label.
Botanical oils and soaps
- Neem seed extract (2–3 % solution) – disrupts feeding and reproduction, safe for edible crops.
- Horticultural oil (5–10 % v/v) – smothers mites, penetrates leaf crevices.
- Insecticidal soap (2–5 % solution) – ruptures mite cuticle, requires thorough coverage.
Mix according to label directions, spray in early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn, repeat every 5–7 days until populations drop below threshold.
Biological agents
- Predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis – releases at 20–30 mites m⁻², establishes a self‑sustaining population.
- Predator Amblyseius swirskii – effective at lower temperatures, applied at 1 g m⁻².
Introduce when mite numbers are moderate; combine with oil sprays that do not harm the predators.
Cultural measures
- Remove heavily infested foliage.
- Maintain canopy ventilation to reduce humidity, which favors mite development.
- Rotate crops and avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages rapid leaf growth and mite proliferation.
Integrate chemical, botanical, and biological tactics in a rotation plan to delay resistance. Always follow label safety instructions, wear protective equipment, and record applications for future reference.