What should be used against spider mites on cucumbers? - briefly
Treat cucumber foliage with neem oil or a potassium‑based insecticidal soap, applying until runoff covers all leaves. For severe spider‑mite outbreaks, use a labeled miticide such as abamectin or spirotetramat.
What should be used against spider mites on cucumbers? - in detail
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and can quickly defoliate cucumber vines. Effective control combines cultural, biological, and, when necessary, chemical measures.
Cultural tactics reduce mite populations by creating an unfavorable environment. Keep foliage well‑ventilated through proper spacing and trellising. Water plants early in the day to increase leaf humidity, discouraging mite reproduction. Remove heavily infested leaves and destroy plant debris after harvest.
Biological agents provide sustainable suppression. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, and Amblyseius swirskii attack all life stages of spider mites. Apply commercial releases at a rate of 100–200 predatory mites per square meter, repeating every 7–10 days until pest numbers drop below economic thresholds. Augment with entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) applied as a foliar spray according to label instructions.
When cultural and biological options are insufficient, miticides may be employed. Select products with low toxicity to beneficial insects, such as:
- Insecticidal soaps (2–5 % potassium salts of fatty acids) – contact action, repeat every 5–7 days.
- Neem oil (0.5–2 % azadirachtin) – systemic and contact effects, rotate with other modes.
- Abamectin (0.5–1 ppm) – potent, but resistance can develop; limit to two applications per season.
- Spiromesifen (0.5 kg ha⁻¹) – selective, effective against eggs and larvae.
Rotate chemicals with different active ingredients to delay resistance. Observe pre‑harvest intervals and follow label safety guidelines to protect workers and consumers.
Monitoring remains essential. Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly with a 10× hand lens; a count of five or more mites per leaf indicates treatment is required. Integrating the methods above maintains mite levels below damaging thresholds while preserving the ecological balance of the cucumber crop.