Spider mite on cucumbers: a photo of a dangerous pest and simple tips for crop protection
Content
- What does a spider mite look like
- Causes of the parasite
- Signs of the presence of a spider mite on cucumbers
- What harm does a tick do to plants
- How to deal with spider mites on cucumbers
- Features of the fight against ticks in the greenhouse and in the open field
- Preventive measures
- Tips from experienced gardeners
What does a spider mite look like
Pincer size maximum 1 mm. Body color is:
- red;
- green;
- yellow;
- Orange.
Males have a more elongated body and faded coloration. The females are larger. They can reach 2 mm in length.
Larvae are light green or green with brown spots. There are black spots on the sides. The females are fertile. Within a few hours they can lay up to 500 eggs.
Causes of the parasite
In greenhouses, the conditions are most comfortable for the reproduction of ticks. Reasons for the appearance:
- low humidity level;
- non-compliance with crop rotation;
- dense planting culture;
- poor air circulation in the greenhouse.
Signs of the presence of a spider mite on cucumbers
Microscopic dimensions allow pests to hide for a long time. Because of this, they are difficult to detect. Damage symptoms:
- the presence of a web;
- the appearance of soot fungus and dark spots;
- yellowing of the leaves and folding;
- appearance of rot.
What harm does a tick do to plants
Spider mites settle on the bottom of the leaf. They pierce the epidermis and suck out the juice. A particular danger lies in the rapid reproduction of ticks. Pests infect the bushes and form a web. The culture is exhausted, dries up and dies.
How to deal with spider mites on cucumbers
You can destroy pests with the help of chemical, biological, folk remedies. Also, agrotechnical and preventive measures will prevent the invasion of parasites.
Chemicals
Chemical agents are characterized by a wide spectrum and fast action. They can handle a large population. Some of them are toxic. In this regard, personal protective equipment is used during processing.
Biopreparations
Biological remedies for spider mites on cucumbers are distinguished by their safety and environmental friendliness. After processing, natural components decompose and do not harm the environment.
Folk remedies
Folk methods are used for prevention and a small infection with ticks.
| 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. |
Agrotechnical methods
Good protection and care in the greenhouse will prevent pests. Agronomists advise to apply agrotechnical measures:
- timely water the culture;
- introduce mineral fertilizers with potassium and phosphorus;
- ventilate the greenhouse;
- loosen the soil;
- control the level of nitrogen;
- weed weeds;
- keep a distance when landing;
- disinfect the soil after harvesting;
- remove the top layer of soil.
Features of the fight against ticks in the greenhouse and in the open field
The peculiarity of the fight against the parasite is that the tick does not tolerate high humidity. It also cannot withstand high temperatures. At 30 degrees of heat, mites do not feed on the culture. By increasing the humidity and temperature, you can get rid of parasites.
On the open ground, biological and chemical preparations are used. Chemicals are used strictly according to the instructions. Folk infusions and decoctions are treated 1 time in 2 weeks.
Preventive measures
Taking preventive measures will prevent the invasion of parasites. Prevention:
- examine the inner surface of the sheets;
- attract a natural enemy - the phytoseiulus mite. It can be purchased at a specialized gardening store;
- dig the soil in the spring;
- destroy weeds;
- tomatoes are planted between cucumber bushes;
- observe crop rotation.
Tips from experienced gardeners
A few recommendations from experienced gardeners:
- it is best to process the culture in the morning and evening;
- before spraying, it is necessary to collect ripened fruits;
- start processing from the inside of the sheet;
- preparations are chosen in accordance with a certain phase of tick development;
- at a temperature of 12 to 20 degrees, plants are irrigated 1 time in 2 weeks, over 20 degrees - 1 time in 7 days.