What spray can be used on strawberries for spider mites? - briefly
A horticultural oil—commonly neem oil—applied at the label‑recommended concentration effectively controls spider mites on strawberries. Licensed miticides such as abamectin may also be used, following all safety and resistance‑management guidelines.
What spray can be used on strawberries for spider mites? - in detail
Strawberry plants suffering from spider‑mite infestations require a spray that targets the pest while remaining safe for the fruit. Effective options include:
- Neem oil – a botanical oil that interferes with mite feeding and reproduction. Use a concentration of 1–2 % (approximately 5–10 ml per litre of water). Apply early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf scorch. Harvest can resume after the foliage dries, typically within 24 hours.
- Insecticidal soap – a potassium‑salt solution that smothers mites on contact. Mix 2–5 % (20–50 ml per litre) and spray until runoff covers the undersides of leaves. Re‑apply every 5–7 days, especially after rain.
- Horticultural oil (dormant or summer oil) – a refined petroleum oil that coats mites and their eggs. Dilute to 1–2 % and spray thoroughly. Oil residues break down quickly; fruit can be harvested after a 24‑hour interval.
- Spinosad – a bacterial‑derived insecticide that disrupts the nervous system of spider mites. Apply at 1.5 ml per litre (0.15 % active ingredient). Observe a pre‑harvest interval of 0–3 days depending on the formulation.
- Abamectin – a macrocyclic lactone effective against adult mites and larvae. Use at the label‑recommended rate of 0.5–1 ml per litre. Follow a 3‑day waiting period before picking fruit.
- Sulfur dust or wettable sulfur – a contact miticide suitable for organic production. Apply at 1–2 lb per 100 gal (0.5–1 kg per 380 L). Avoid use when temperatures exceed 30 °C to prevent phytotoxicity; fruit is safe after the spray dries.
Key application practices:
- Treat the lower leaf surfaces where spider mites congregate; thorough coverage is essential.
- Begin applications when mite populations reach 5–10 % of leaf area, then continue at 5‑day intervals until counts fall below economic thresholds.
- Rotate products with different modes of action (e.g., oil → spinosad → neem) to delay resistance development.
- Combine sprays with cultural measures: eliminate weeds, provide adequate irrigation to reduce plant stress, and prune dense foliage to improve air circulation.
By selecting an appropriate miticide, adhering to label‑specified rates, and integrating non‑chemical tactics, growers can control spider‑mite outbreaks on strawberries while preserving fruit quality and marketability.