What does spider mite do to a plant? - briefly
Spider mites pierce leaf cells to suck out sap, producing a speckled, yellowed appearance and causing leaf drop. Severe infestations stunt growth, reduce vigor, and may spread plant viruses.
What does spider mite do to a plant? - in detail
Spider mites feed by piercing leaf cells with their stylet mouthparts and extracting the cell contents. This sap loss removes chlorophyll and essential nutrients, causing the foliage to appear stippled or speckled. As feeding continues, the affected tissue turns yellow, then bronzed, and eventually necrotic patches develop. The progressive loss of photosynthetic area reduces the plant’s energy production, leading to stunted growth, weaker stems, and lower fruit or flower yield.
The damage pattern often begins on the undersides of leaves, where the mites reside in concealed colonies. Their webs—fine, silken threads—cover leaf surfaces, trapping dust and reducing light penetration. Webbing also hinders gas exchange, exacerbating stress. In severe infestations, entire leaf blades may dry out and drop prematurely.
Spider mites reproduce rapidly under warm, dry conditions. Adult females lay 30–100 eggs over a two‑week period; eggs hatch in 2–5 days, and the subsequent nymphal stages mature within another week. This rapid turnover allows populations to expand exponentially, especially when natural predators are absent.
Secondary effects include increased susceptibility to secondary pathogens. The feeding wounds serve as entry points for bacterial and fungal infections, compounding the physiological decline. Moreover, the presence of webs can interfere with pesticide application, reducing treatment efficacy.
Overall, spider mite activity compromises plant vigor by draining nutrients, disrupting photosynthesis, and creating entry sites for opportunistic diseases, ultimately diminishing growth and productivity.