Spider mite on eggplant: how to save the crop from a dangerous pest
Content
Brief description of the spider mite
The size of the spider mite does not exceed 1 mm. It is very difficult to see him. Its color is green, which makes it possible to merge with the plant. Habitats - leaves, stems, leaf axils.
Insects tend to migrate to other cultures. Ticks also feed on peppers and cucumbers and cause irreparable damage to crops.
Causes and signs of the appearance of a parasite on eggplant
Insects appear due to:
- lack of soil treatment before planting;
- low humidity;
- close location of seedlings;
- co-cultivation with cucumbers and peppers;
- lack of cleanliness in the greenhouse.
The first signs of tick damage:
- the presence of a thin and delicate cobweb under the leaf;
- tops drying;
- dots of white color, turning into marble spots;
- slow plant growth
- a fading type of culture;
- the appearance of brown spots;
- loss of strength and elasticity.
Within 2 weeks, eggplants may die if appropriate measures are not taken.
What is dangerous spider mite
The pest can be called one of the most insidious insects.
- The individual becomes mature within a week.
- Colonies grow very fast.
- Parasites are very hardy.
- They are able to hide in the ground and fallen leaves, climb into the greenhouse structure.
- They tolerate temperatures down to minus 30 degrees.
The parasites suck the juice. As a result, plants lose moisture and nutrients. Insects can carry fungi and viruses - anthracnose, gray rot, late blight. The culture loses chlorophyll due to the slowing down of the photosynthesis process.
Spider mite control methods
When ticks appear, they must be destroyed. This is possible with the help of biological, chemical, folk methods. Each of them has its own characteristics. Annual preventive measures will help prevent the appearance of spider mites.
Chemicals
Acaricides perfectly destroy pests.
Biological agents
Biopreparations have a good effect. Many of them are not inferior to chemicals. They are safe for the environment and people. The basis of most bioacaricides are:
- mushrooms;
- viruses;
- bacteria;
- plant extracts.
Functions of biological agents:
- destruction of the spider web pest;
- crop nutrition;
- fungus prevention.
The fastest acting biologics
Traditional recipes
Folk remedies have been tested by people for many years. They are used in small quantities or in the absence of biological and chemical preparations.
| Preparation | Using |
|---|---|
| Infusion of garlic | 4 heads of garlic are crushed and added to 1 liter of water. Insist for 2 days. Before use, dilute with water in equal parts. Spray the plant with infusion in dry calm weather. |
| Onion infusion | 0,1 kg of onion peel is mixed with 5 liters of water and left for 5 days. Before use, the onion infusion is shaken and the culture is sprayed. You can add laundry soap so that the composition sticks better. |
| Mustard powder | 60 g of mustard powder is diluted in 1 liter of water. Leave for 3 days. After that, the leaves are sprayed. |
| Alder decoction | 0,2 kg of fresh or dry alder is added to 2 liters of boiling water. Cook for 30 minutes over low heat. After cooling, leave for 12 hours. Spray the plant. |
| Dandelion decoction | 0,1 kg of dandelion leaves and rhizomes finely chopped. Add to 1 liter of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 3 hours. Strain and spray the leaves. |
| Wood ash and tobacco dust | Wood ash with tobacco dust is mixed in equal parts. Sprinkle the plant twice during the season. 1 sq.m relies on 0,1 kg of powder. |
| Green soap | 0,4 l of green soap is poured into a bucket of water. Sprayed from a spray bottle on the bushes. |
| Laundry soap | 0,2 kg of laundry soap is added to a bucket of water. Leaves are washed with this solution. |
| Tar soap | 0,1 kg of sulfur-tar soap is mixed with 10 liters of water. Spray the solution onto the culture. |
| Ammonia | 1 tbsp ammonia is diluted in a bucket of water. Spray the leaves on all sides. |
| Capsicum | 3 pods of pepper are crushed and added to 5 liters of water. Leave the composition for 3 days. After straining, wipe the leaves. |
Agricultural practices
Agricultural measures:
- dig the soil to a depth of 5 to 8 cm, between rows - from 10 to 15 cm;
- proper watering (young culture relies on 1 liter twice in 7 days, and an adult - 2-3 liters 1 time per week);
- destroy weeds and organic debris;
- loosen and mulch the soil (layer height 8 cm or more);
- mechanical collection of larvae;
- wash off the pests from the leaves with water from the hoses.
Features of the fight against spider mites on eggplants in the greenhouse and in the open field
The peculiarity of the struggle is to maintain the desired temperature and humidity level. The use of toxic substances indoors is undesirable. The use of colloidal sulfur, folk remedies and prevention would be ideal.
Chemicals are used on open ground. Spraying in the morning and evening will increase the moisture level. Processing is recommended to be done in dry and calm weather.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures in greenhouses:
- ventilate greenhouses and spray eggplants;
- the soil is disinfected before planting and after harvesting;
- use folk recipes for prevention;
- introduce copper sulfate;
- replace the top layer.
Prevention outdoors:
- observe crop rotation;
- dig the soil at a depth of 20 cm or more;
- fed with organic fertilizers;
- treated with a solution of onion, garlic or soap 4 times during the season.
Tips from experienced gardeners
A few recommendations from experienced gardeners:
- keep the greenhouse clean;
- with a large population, chemicals are used;
- infusions and decoctions spray the culture 1 time in 2 weeks.