What should be sprayed on currants for bud mites? - briefly
Apply a horticultural oil (e.g., neem or mineral oil) early in spring before bud break, then follow with a registered miticide such as abamectin or spirodiclofen if mites persist. This regimen effectively controls bud mite infestations on currant bushes.
What should be sprayed on currants for bud mites? - in detail
Bud mites attack the developing buds of currant bushes, reducing fruit set and quality. Effective control relies on applying appropriate miticidal sprays at specific growth stages.
Chemical miticides commonly recommended include:
- Abamectin – 0.5–1 ml L⁻¹, applied at first sign of bud swelling; PHI (pre‑harvest interval) typically 7 days.
- Spirodiclofen – 0.25 ml L⁻¹, applied during early bud development; PHI 5–7 days.
- Fenpyroximate – 0.3–0.5 ml L⁻¹, applied at bud break; PHI 5 days.
- Bifenthrin – 0.2 ml L⁻¹, used when mite pressure is high; PHI 3 days.
For growers seeking reduced synthetic input, organic options are available:
- Neem oil – 2 % solution, thorough coverage of buds; repeat every 7–10 days.
- Horticultural oil – 1–2 % emulsifiable concentrate, applied at bud emergence; PHI 14 days.
- Sulfur dust – 1 kg ha⁻¹, mixed with water for spray; effective against early infestations.
Application guidelines:
- Spray when buds are 2–5 mm long, before they open.
- Ensure complete wetting of bud surfaces; use a fine‑mist nozzle.
- Apply in calm weather to minimize drift and maximize contact.
- Limit to two applications per season, spaced 7–10 days apart, unless monitoring indicates continued activity.
Resistance management:
- Rotate products with different mode‑of‑action codes (e.g., IRAC groups 6, 9, 22).
- Alternate synthetic miticides with oil‑based treatments.
- Conduct regular scouting; cease applications when mite numbers fall below economic thresholds.
Safety considerations:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing during mixing and spraying.
- Avoid application during bloom to protect pollinators.
- Observe label‐specified re‑entry intervals and maximum residue limits.