What can be used to kill a mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse? - briefly
Apply a miticide such as abamectin or a neem‑oil spray, following label rates and re‑treating as needed. Complement with regular applications of insecticidal soap to reduce populations and prevent reinfestation.
What can be used to kill a mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse? - in detail
Effective control of cucumber spider mites in greenhouse cultivation requires an integrated approach that combines chemical, biological, and cultural tactics.
Chemical options include synthetic miticides such as abamectin, bifenazate, and spiromesifen. These products must be applied at the label‑specified rate, typically 0.5–1 ml L⁻¹ of spray solution, and repeated after 7–10 days to interrupt the mite life cycle. Rotating between compounds with different modes of action prevents resistance buildup; consult the IRAC classification for appropriate alternation.
Botanical extracts provide a less toxic alternative. Neem oil, applied at 1–2 % (v/v) concentration, disrupts feeding and oviposition. Horticultural oils (e.g., mineral oil, paraffinic oil) at 1 % coverage suffocate all mobile stages. Both require thorough leaf coverage, especially on the underside where mites reside, and should be reapplied after rain or when new foliage appears.
Biological agents target the pest directly. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, and Amblyseius swirskii establish colonies on cucumber leaves and consume eggs, larvae, and adults. Release rates of 10–20 predators cm⁻² at the first sign of infestation achieve rapid suppression. Maintain temperatures above 20 °C and relative humidity near 70 % to support predator activity.
Cultural measures reduce habitat suitability. Keep the greenhouse temperature between 22–26 °C and humidity at 60–70 % to discourage mite reproduction. Implement regular sanitation: remove plant debris, prune heavily infested leaves, and disinfect tools with 70 % ethanol. Use reflective mulches to deter mite colonization by altering light conditions.
Monitoring is essential. Sticky cards placed on the lower canopy detect early population increases. Sampling of 10 leaves per tray, examined under 10× magnification, provides quantitative thresholds (e.g., >5 mites per leaf) that trigger treatment.
Combining these strategies—targeted miticide rotations, oil or neem applications, introduction of predatory mites, and strict environmental management—delivers durable control while minimizing chemical residues and resistance risk.