How to control spider mites on cucumbers in a greenhouse

Spider mites are a common uninvited guest in greenhouses where cucumbers are grown. This pest of garden crops inhabits both polycarbonate and glass greenhouses, as well as simple hotbeds. Therefore, the design of the greenhouse is not particularly important.

Why is spider mite a common problem especially for cucumbers In a greenhouse? It's all because this parasite thrives on high temperatures and humidity. So, even the slightest disruption to the greenhouse's microclimate often leads to the development of infections or parasite colonies.

In general, there are many causes. It's important to be able to identify the specific spider mite and take specific measures to protect your crop. Before considering specific measures to combat spider mites on cucumbers in a greenhouse, it's important to pay special attention to the pest itself.

Appearance and developmental features

Spider mites are pests that range in color from red to transparent. They typically reach no more than two millimeters in size (very rare, but typically stop at one millimeter). When favorable conditions arise, they settle on the plant. They prefer to occupy the underside of leaves and can cover vast areas. As a result of their activity, colonies of mites leave marks on the plant's leaves—tiny, light-colored dots.

Even a small infestation, if left untreated, can eventually grow into a large colony. Within a few weeks of infestation, spots will appear on the plant, and the parasites themselves will crawl freely along the leaves.

What is the harm?

The accompanying section contains a wealth of information on how to combat spider mites on cucumbers in greenhouses. But before you begin the fight, it's important to clearly understand the dangers this pest poses to greenhouse crops, including cucumbers.

Once spider mites have taken up residence on a plant in a greenhouse, they will rapidly multiply and occupy increasingly larger areas. These pests are especially fond of cucumbers. They feed on the plant's cell sap, gradually depleting the leaves. The leaves begin to dry out and eventually fall off. This phenomenon ultimately leads, if specific measures are not taken, to the death of the entire plant. Other important factors Causes of yellowing cucumber ovaries.

The females of this parasite are the most active. After just three days on the plant, they lay eggs, each containing up to four hundred. A single female can have up to two dozen development cycles per year under favorable climate conditions. A climate of 23-33 degrees Celsius and moderate humidity is favorable for spider mite reproduction. Therefore, a greenhouse, regardless of its design, is ideal for the life and active reproduction of this parasite.

About methods of struggle

It's important to be prepared for the fact that getting rid of spider mites completely will be extremely difficult. Therefore, gardeners growing cucumbers in greenhouses should make every effort to prevent the pests from appearing.

Advice! Gardeners' reviews indicate that methods such as spraying with water, ultraviolet irradiation, using onion and garlic infusions, and laundry soap do not help.

Below, we'll provide a complete list of products and methods that have proven effective in helping gardeners and have earned positive reviews. It's important to note that these methods were collected from across the country, so some may not be suitable for specific regions or climates.

What measures and means will help get rid of spider mites in a greenhouse:

1. Cucumber plantings infested with spider mites should be alternated with tomato plants. This pest is very reluctant to live and reproduce on tomatoes.
2. Weeds should be removed from the garden beds promptly, and weeds should be removed from the greenhouse immediately. They may harbor overwintering mites. It's crucial to provide cucumbers in the greenhouse with proper care, properly prepare the soil for winter, and treat the greenhouse in the fall.
3. Specific greenhouse cultivation practices are essential. Be sure to leave about a meter of space between each plant when planting to prevent pests from easily moving from one plant to another.
4. Humidity in the greenhouse should be high, as mites simply cannot tolerate it. However, these conditions are recommended for growing cucumbers. Aim for a humidity level of 80-85% or higher.
5. Watering, loosening the soil, and mulching are common care steps. But regular inspection of plants is also essential to detect pests early and eliminate them quickly.
6. The greenhouse should also be inspected several times during the growing season. If damaged plants are noticed, they should be removed and burned.
7. If spider mites have already taken up residence in the greenhouse, spraying with specialized products will be necessary every 12 days. During the growing season and in severe infestations, spraying can be done every five days. Dilute 80 grams of colloidal sulfur, 10 ml of Fitoverm, and 100 ml of Bitoxybacillin per ten liters of water. Alternatively, dusting can be done with ground sulfur, using three grams of the substance per meter of planting.
8. Natural enemies of spider mites can also be helpful to gardeners. For example, you can introduce predatory mites, which feed on spider mites, into your greenhouse. Simply spread a few leaves containing the predator around the affected cucumber plant.

If the methods discussed above for controlling spider mites on cucumbers in a greenhouse (see photos) don't work, then harsher chemicals are needed. Acaricides and other products containing toxic compounds will help. It's crucial to carefully read the instructions for each product, not exceed the recommended dosage, and only use protective clothing when performing treatments.

Again, it's important to remember that mites can adapt even to strong chemicals. So, don't try to eliminate mites from your greenhouse with the same product year after year. Products should be changed periodically after the third application.

What chemicals will help?

There are many positive reviews about the product online. Plant-PinIt helps get rid of mites and aphids specifically, and is also ideal for treating greenhouse cucumbers. These sticks are placed in the soil near the stem of the affected plant. The active ingredients in the sticks begin to work when you water the garden. A major advantage of this product is that it helps control pests at an early stage of their development.

According to the form of release of the product Etisso These are also sticks, but the active ingredient is different. When a stick is immersed in soil, its active ingredient dissolves when exposed to water, killing insects.

Important! Both preparations are toxic to humans. Therefore, discard gloves after use and wash your hands thoroughly.

Another remedy suitable for fighting ticks is ActellicIt should be used carefully, wearing gloves and a gauze bandage. Open the ampoule and dissolve it in a liter of water. Mix the solution and use it to spray the affected plants.

Fitoverm It works great the first few times, but then the plant quickly develops tolerance, and the spider mites will no longer be killed by the active ingredient. If you use the product according to the instructions, you can achieve excellent results in the first few sprays. Read about what to do if cucumber embryos in the greenhouse are falling off.

What problems may arise during the fight against spider mites:

• It's difficult to detect the problem, but it's important to do so. The sooner the fight begins, the higher the likelihood of success.
• Under favorable conditions, spider mites reproduce very quickly.
• Since ticks are highly adaptable to medications, this creates certain difficulties in choosing a specific long-term control method.
• You definitely won't get rid of a tick in two treatments; treatment needs to be carried out frequently.
• The population must be completely destroyed to protect the greenhouse and the crop.
• The webs they leave behind help the insect move. They also provide protection from moisture and the effects of insecticides.
• Shock doses of treatments are often necessary to achieve results. High concentrations of treatments can be dangerous to humans and animals and can lead to fruit contamination.

These are popular folk remedies and measures for controlling spider mites on cucumbers in greenhouses, as well as specific chemical treatments. A gardener can accurately determine which treatment to use if they first research the pest and understand how severe and dangerous the infestation is.