What should be done with spider mites on currants? - briefly
Apply a miticide (e.g., neem oil, sulfur spray) and rinse the leaves regularly to lower mite numbers; supplement treatment with biological controls such as lady beetles or predatory mites.
What should be done with spider mites on currants? - in detail
Spider mites on currant bushes require a systematic approach that combines observation, cultural practices, biological agents, and, when necessary, targeted chemicals.
First, inspect foliage regularly. Look for stippled leaves, fine webbing on undersides, and a pale, speckled appearance. Early detection limits population growth and reduces damage.
Cultural measures reduce habitat suitability. Prune out heavily infested shoots and improve air circulation by thinning dense canopies. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes rapid leaf growth and favors mites. Water plants at the soil level rather than overhead to keep foliage dry, as moisture discourages mite activity.
Biological control offers sustainable suppression. Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates of 10–20 predators per square meter are effective. Preserve native arthropod predators by limiting broad‑spectrum insecticide applications. If fungal pathogens are acceptable, apply entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) according to label directions.
When populations exceed economic thresholds—typically 5–10 mites per leaf cell—apply acaricides with the lowest residual toxicity. Recommended options include sulfur dusts, neem oil emulsions, or horticultural oil sprays. Apply at the recommended concentration, covering both leaf surfaces, and repeat at 7‑ to 10‑day intervals until counts fall below threshold. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance.
Finally, maintain a monitoring schedule throughout the growing season. Record mite counts, treatment dates, and environmental conditions. This data informs future decisions and helps refine integrated pest management strategies for currant cultivation.