What should be done about spider mite on strawberries? - briefly
Apply a miticide—such as neem oil, horticultural oil, or a sulfur‑based product—according to label directions, repeating applications every 7‑10 days. Complement treatment with cultural measures: prune heavily infested foliage, keep foliage dry, and avoid excessive nitrogen to suppress mite populations.
What should be done about spider mite on strawberries? - in detail
Spider mites rapidly colonize strawberry foliage, feeding on cell contents and causing stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine webbing. Once an infestation is confirmed, implement an integrated management plan.
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Cultural controls
• Remove weeds and ground cover that harbor mites.
• Space plants to improve air flow and reduce humidity, which discourages mite reproduction.
• Prune heavily damaged leaves to eliminate breeding sites. -
Physical barriers
• Install fine mesh row covers early in the season; ensure they are sealed at the edges to prevent mite entry.
• Use reflective mulches that repel mites by disrupting their visual cues. -
Biological agents
• Release predatory phytoseiid mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus) at a rate of 1‑2 million per acre.
• Apply neem oil or horticultural oil at 1‑2 % concentration, covering both leaf surfaces; repeat every 7‑10 days until populations decline.
• Introduce entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana according to label rates for foliar sprays. -
Chemical options
• Use acaricides with low toxicity to beneficial insects, such as abamectin or spirodiclofen, following the recommended dosage and pre‑harvest interval.
• Rotate chemistries with different modes of action to avoid resistance buildup; consult the IRAC classification for appropriate alternation. -
Monitoring and record‑keeping
• Conduct weekly scouting; record mite counts per leaf to gauge control efficacy.
• Adjust treatment frequency based on population thresholds rather than calendar schedules.
Combining sanitation, exclusion, biological predators, and judicious use of targeted miticides provides the most reliable suppression of spider mite pressure on strawberry crops. Continuous monitoring ensures timely interventions and minimizes yield loss.