What should you do if spider mites appear on eggplant seedlings? - briefly
When spider mites infest eggplant seedlings, isolate the plants and rinse them with a strong stream of water to remove the pests. Follow with a thorough application of insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5–7 days until the mites are gone.
What should you do if spider mites appear on eggplant seedlings? - in detail
Spider mites on young eggplant plants require immediate action to prevent rapid population growth and leaf damage.
First, confirm infestation by inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny, moving specks and fine webbing. Use a magnifying glass if necessary.
Next, isolate the affected seedlings from healthy ones to stop spread.
Physical removal:
- Rinse seedlings with a strong jet of water, directing the spray onto the leaf undersides.
- Wipe each leaf with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in soapy water to dislodge mites.
Chemical control:
- Apply insecticidal soap according to label rates, covering both leaf surfaces. Reapply every 5–7 days until no mites are observed.
- Use neem oil or horticultural oil as an alternative, mixing at the recommended concentration and spraying until runoff. Both products suffocate mites and their eggs.
If the infestation persists, consider a miticide containing abamectin or spirodiclofen, following all safety precautions and rotating modes of action to avoid resistance.
Environmental adjustments:
- Increase humidity by misting or using a humidifier; spider mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Lower ambient temperature slightly, keeping seedlings within the optimal range of 18–24 °C.
- Provide adequate airflow without creating drafts that stress the plants.
Monitoring:
- Examine leaves every 2–3 days after treatment.
- Record any recurrence and adjust the spray schedule accordingly.
Prevention for future crops:
- Clean all tools and containers before reuse.
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis to the growing area.
- Rotate crops and avoid planting eggplant in the same spot for more than two seasons.
By combining rapid physical removal, appropriate topical treatments, and cultural modifications, spider mite outbreaks on eggplant seedlings can be halted and the plants restored to healthy growth.