What should be done if spider mites appear on seedlings? - briefly
Inspect seedlings daily and immediately spray a fine mist of insecticidal soap or neem oil covering both leaf surfaces to control «spider mites»; repeat every 5‑7 days until they disappear. Remove heavily infested plants and improve air circulation to prevent recurrence.
What should be done if spider mites appear on seedlings? - in detail
Spider mites on young plants require immediate intervention to prevent rapid population growth and damage to foliage.
Identify the infestation early by inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks, fine webbing, or stippled, yellowed tissue. Use a magnifying lens if necessary.
Implement a three‑step management plan:
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Physical removal – Spray the seedlings with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites and webs. Repeat every 24 hours for three days, focusing on the leaf undersides.
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Cultural controls – Increase ambient humidity to 60–70 % by misting or using a humidifier; spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Reduce plant density to improve air circulation and lower leaf temperature. Remove any heavily infested seedlings to limit spread.
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Chemical or biological treatments – Apply a miticide containing abamectin, spirodiclofen, or a neem‑oil formulation, following label directions for dilution and frequency. For organic options, introduce predatory phytoseiid mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) or a suspension of insecticidal soap (2 % kitchen‑soap solution). Ensure thorough coverage of leaf undersides and repeat applications at 5‑ to 7‑day intervals until mite counts fall below economic thresholds.
Monitor the population daily. If symptoms persist after two weeks, reassess environmental conditions, verify correct dosage, and consider rotating to a different mode of action to avoid resistance.
Maintain records of infestation dates, treatments applied, and outcomes to refine future response strategies.