What type of mite is present on cucumbers? - briefly
Cucumbers are most frequently affected by the cucumber spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. This plant‑feeding arachnid causes stippled foliage and fine webbing on the fruit and leaves.
What type of mite is present on cucumbers? - in detail
Cucumber crops are frequently infested by several mite species that differ in morphology, feeding habits, and economic impact.
The most prevalent pest is the two‑spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Adults are 0.4–0.5 mm long, oval, and reddish‑brown with two dark spots on the dorsum. Females lay 40–100 eggs on the undersides of leaves; development from egg to adult takes 5–7 days at 25 °C. Feeding causes stippling, bronzing, and leaf desiccation, which can lead to premature leaf drop and reduced fruit quality.
Broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) is a microscopic species (≈0.2 mm) with a flattened, elongated body. It reproduces rapidly: a female may produce 2–3 eggs per day, and the life cycle completes in 3–4 days under optimal temperatures (20–30 °C). Damage appears as distorted, stunted leaves, malformed flowers, and misshapen fruits. Infestation often remains hidden until severe because the mites are difficult to see without magnification.
Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus) is another tiny mite (≈0.15 mm) that colonizes cucumber foliage. It prefers cool, humid conditions and can cause leaf curling and chlorotic spots. The life cycle is 5–7 days, and populations can increase quickly in greenhouse environments.
Less common but occasionally reported is the rust mite (Aculops lycopersici). Although primarily a tomato pest, occasional transfers to cucumber occur in mixed cropping systems. It induces a rust‑colored stippling and may weaken young plants.
Key identification points:
- Size and coloration (spider mite: larger, reddish; broad and cyclamen mites: microscopic, translucent)
- Presence of dorsal spots (spider mite) versus smooth dorsum (broad mite)
- Egg placement (spider mite on leaf undersides; broad mite in leaf folds)
Effective management integrates monitoring, cultural practices, and targeted acaricides. Regular scouting with a 10× hand lens detects early infestations. Maintaining low humidity and adequate ventilation reduces cyclamen mite populations. Biological control agents such as predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis for spider mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris for broad mite) offer sustainable suppression. When chemical intervention is necessary, rotating acaricides with different modes of action prevents resistance development.
Understanding the specific mite species present on cucumber plants enables precise diagnosis and tailored control strategies, minimizing crop loss and preserving fruit quality.