Spider mite on peppers: simple tips for saving seedlings for beginners
To grow delicious peppers, you need to properly care for the crop. However, pests can appear on any plant, which will lead to its death. Parasites are fought with various methods until they are completely destroyed.
Content
What is a pest
The spider mite is a small pest that causes damage to many crops. It is classified as arachnid. Pepper attacks the most common variety - ordinary.
What does a parasite look like?
Spider mite female.
Spider mites have a miniature size and an ellipsoidal shape. The body of female individuals is from 0,4 to 0,6 mm, and male - from 0,3 to 0,45 mm. Coloration of sexually mature parasites can be:
- dark green;
- greenish gray;
- yellow.
In fertilized females, the color changes to orange-red.
What feeds on
The spider mite pierces the epidermis of the leaves. The pest sucks out all the juice, disrupting the formation of pepper. An enzyme found in saliva that breaks down chloroplasts. The leaves dry up and begin to die.
Parasites feed on more than just peppers. They also attack:
- eggplants;
- tomatoes;
- cucumbers;
- various flowers.
How it breeds
One clutch contains more than several hundred eggs. They have a spherical shape. The color of the eggs is greenish. At the final stage of development, they can be compared to pearls.
Hatching of larvae occurs after 25 days. The larvae are light green or greenish brown in color. There are dark spots on both sides.
The life cycle ranges from 30-50 days. Wintering places - foliage, crevices of greenhouses, tree bark. Only eggs and females hibernate. The optimum temperature regime is from 25 to 27 degrees.
Causes and signs of damage to pepper by a spider mite
Ticks appear suddenly. The most common reasons:
- high temperature - vigorous activity begins at a temperature of at least 16 degrees;
- humidity level from 40 to 50%;
- excess nitrogen in the culture - contributes to the intensive laying of eggs;
- transport by wind, birds, inventory items;
- insufficient watering of the plant - lack of water increases the amount of soluble carbohydrates, which makes reproduction more rapid;
- contaminated soil.
Damage symptoms:
- whitish dots on the back of the sheets;
- foliage color change
- moving dots along the edges;
- the appearance of a marble pattern;
- growth retardation;
- the presence of a white web braiding pepper;
- wilting of buds;
- drying up and falling off.
Why is a spider mite dangerous for pepper seedlings
The negative impact of the pest consists in violations of the metabolic processes of the culture. The spider mite is capable of:
- spoil the process of photosynthesis;
- weaken the immune system, which increases the likelihood of infectious diseases;
- reduce the amount of moisture;
- provoke the appearance of mycoplasmosis and gray rot.
How to deal with a pest
The fight begins at the first sign of defeat. At the initial stage, folk formulations or biological products are used. With a large population, only chemical agents will help.
Chemicals
Chemical preparations act very quickly and effectively.
All drugs are used strictly according to the instructions. Spraying plants will help eliminate parasites.
Biopreparations
Many gardeners do not use chemicals because they are toxic. Biologics are a great alternative. They are used for minor damage.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies have a good effect. You can get rid of parasites with the help of infusions and solutions.
Adding 50 grams of tar or laundry soap will ensure sticking to the leaves and enveloping the entire surface. After drying, a film is formed that blocks the access of air to parasites.
| Means | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Garlic infusion | 0,2 kg of garlic is crushed and added to a bucket of water. Insist for 24 hours. Spray the culture. |
| Infusion of shag | 2 cups of shag mixed with 10 liters of water. Leave for a day and spray the plant. |
| Alcohol | 2 tbsp ethyl alcohol is poured into 1 liter of water. Spray the solution on the leaves and stems. Process no more than 3 times with an interval of 7 days. |
| Onion infusion | 0,2 kg of onion finely chopped and added to a bucket of water. Insist for a day and spray the plant. |
| Infusion of potato tops | 1,5 kg of potato tops are poured into a bucket of water and left for 3 hours. The infusion is filtered and sprayed with bushes. The action starts in 2 hours. |
| Decoction of tomato tops | 0,4 kg of tomato tops are added to 10 liters of water. Turn on a slow fire for half an hour. Spray the green part of the plants. |
| Infusion of cow parsnip | 1 kg of dried hogweed insist 2 days in 10 liters of water. After that, the culture is sprayed. |
| Yarrow decoction | 1 kg of yarrow stems and inflorescences is poured into a bucket of water. Put on low heat for 30 minutes. After straining the broth, pepper is sprayed. |
Agricultural practices
Timely implementation of agrotechnical measures will prevent the appearance of spider mites. Agricultural measures:
- regular tillage;
- elimination of weeds and organic debris;
- increasing the level of humidity;
- planting repellent plants on the site - marigolds, garlic, onions, marigolds.
Rules for processing pepper seedlings
A few tips for processing culture:
- carry out processing at a temperature of 18 degrees and above;
- spray plants in clear and calm weather after the dew dries;
- when processing chemicals, wear closed clothing, a respirator, goggles, gloves.
The nuances of the fight against ticks in the greenhouse and in the open field
Greenhouses need to be cleaned regularly. They are ventilated to ensure air circulation. Apply chemicals carefully. It is forbidden to stay indoors after treatment for 24 hours. The fight against the parasite in the greenhouse and on the open ground is carried out using the same means.
preventive measures
Prevention will prevent the appearance and reproduction of spider mites. The most effective activities:
- compliance with the temperature regime and maintaining the level of humidity;
- clearing the site of weeds;
- strengthening immunity;
- observance of crop rotation;
- disinfection of greenhouses with the help of sulfur checkers;
- digging the soil and treatment with acaricidal agents;
- moderate watering;
- regular cleaning in the greenhouse;
- planting varieties resistant to pests.
Tips and Tricks for Beginners
A few tips and tricks from experienced gardeners:
- remove the affected parts of plants;
- with a small number of pests, they are collected by hand or washed off with water;
- increase immunity with stimulants - "Carvitol", "Immunocytophyte";
- fed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.