What to spray on eggplants for ticks? - briefly
Apply a neem‑oil solution (2–3 % concentration) or horticultural oil spray to suffocate and repel ticks on eggplant foliage. For immediate control, use a pyrethrin‑based spray according to the product label.
What to spray on eggplants for ticks? - in detail
Spraying eggplant foliage with a targeted acaricide is the most reliable method for tick suppression. Choose an agent that is registered for Solanaceae and effective against arachnid pests.
- Neem oil (5 % seed‑extract formulation) – Dilute 1 ml per litre of water, add a few drops of non‑ionic surfactant, apply early morning or late afternoon. Neem interferes with tick feeding and reproduction.
- Pyrethrin‑based spray (0.5 % active ingredient) – Mix according to label, use immediately after preparation. Provides rapid knock‑down; repeat every 7–10 days during peak activity.
- Spinosad (2 % granules reconstituted) – Dissolve 2 g in 5 L water, spray until runoff. Effective against larvae and nymphs, low toxicity to beneficial insects when applied in the evening.
- Horticultural oil (mineral oil, 10 % emulsifiable concentrate) – Dilute 2 ml per litre, cover all leaf surfaces. Smothers ticks, suitable for organic programs.
- Essential oil blend (rosemary, clove, peppermint, total 2 % v/v) – Combine equal parts, emulsify with a mild surfactant, apply at sunset. Repels ticks and reduces colonization.
Application guidelines:
- Treat the entire plant canopy, focusing on undersides of leaves where ticks hide.
- Begin sprays when seedlings reach 30 cm height; continue weekly for the first month, then bi‑weekly until fruit set.
- Use calibrated sprayers to deliver 200–250 ml per square metre, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Rotate between two different modes of action (e.g., neem oil and pyrethrin) to delay resistance development.
- Observe pre‑harvest intervals on product labels; cease applications at least 7 days before picking.
Safety considerations:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask during mixing and application.
- Keep spray drift away from non‑target crops and pollinators.
- Store concentrates in a locked, temperature‑controlled area.
Monitoring:
- Inspect plants every 3 days, count ticks per leaf; adjust spray frequency if counts exceed 2 per leaf.
- Record weather conditions; increase application frequency during warm, humid periods that favor tick activity.
Combining chemical sprays with cultural practices—removing weeds, maintaining proper spacing, and providing adequate airflow—enhances overall control and reduces reliance on repeated applications.