What should be done if spider mite appears on eggplant leaves? - briefly
Remove infested leaves and spray the remaining foliage with a horticultural oil, neem oil, or a licensed miticide, repeating the application every 5–7 days until mites are gone, while maintaining adequate humidity and regular watering.
What should be done if spider mite appears on eggplant leaves? - in detail
When spider mites infest eggplant foliage, immediate action is required to prevent rapid population growth and leaf damage.
First, confirm the presence of the pest by inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny, moving specks and for stippled or yellowed tissue. A hand lens can reveal the characteristic eight-legged mites and their webbing.
Next, isolate the affected plant. Move it away from other vegetables to reduce the chance of cross‑contamination.
Apply a physical removal method: rinse the plant with a strong jet of water, targeting the leaf undersides, to dislodge the insects. Repeat this treatment every two to three days for a week.
Introduce biological control agents. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus consume spider mites efficiently. Distribute the predators according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring adequate humidity (≥60 %) for their activity.
If the infestation persists, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Dilute the product to the label‑specified concentration and spray thoroughly, covering both leaf surfaces. Apply in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf scorch and repeat every seven to ten days until populations decline.
For severe cases, a synthetic acaricide may be necessary. Select a product labeled for Solanaceae, follow the safety precautions, and rotate active ingredients to delay resistance development.
Maintain cultural practices that discourage mite proliferation:
- Keep plants well‑watered but avoid excess moisture that fosters mold.
- Provide adequate air circulation by spacing plants 18–24 inches apart and pruning dense foliage.
- Monitor soil nutrition; avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces tender, mite‑attractive growth.
Regular scouting should continue throughout the growing season. Early detection and a combination of mechanical, biological, and, if required, chemical measures will keep spider mite populations below economic damage thresholds and preserve healthy eggplant leaves.