Twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Pest description and crop damage Spider mites are tiny, spider-like animals that produce webs and are generally found on the undersides of leaves. Mite damage in potatoes is a minute stippling of the leaves and sometimes a bronzing. Mites reproduce rapidly and can build up to unmanageable populations in just a few days under the right conditions. What causes this population explosion, and allows the mites to take down fields, is uncertain, but some contributing factors include:
- Application of nonselective pesticides, such as pyrethroids, and certain carbamates and organophosphates, which negatively impact mite predators and allow spider mites to increase.
- Proximity to certain crops such as corn, alfalfa, and mint, which tend to harbor mites.
- Proximity to dusty roads.
- Hot, dry weather.
The first is the most important factor. In most cases, mite outbreaks in potatoes are an induced problem, brought on by management practices aimed at other pests.
Biology and life history Spider mites overwinter in leaf litter and other debris on the soil surface. Two-spotted spider mite has a very wide host range and in spring colonizes many weeds, crops, and native plants. It thrives in hot weather and can build up large populations rapidly during summer.
Scouting and thresholds Mite management requires early scouting and requires a hand lens. Initial mite infestations can be spotty within fields, making it important to sample for mites in several locations in each field. Because mites reproduce better on stressed plants, it is a good idea to check areas of fields that tend to be stressed for some reason (e.g., dry spots, low spots, and edges). Look for webbing and yellow stippling at leaf margins. It is also wise to check the edges of fields nearest to crops likely to harbor mites. Try to recognize mite populations before significant damage is noted and certainly before webbing is noticeable. There is no established treatment threshold for spider mites in potatoes, but it is well-known that treatments must be applied early in the infestation process to achieve control.
Management-biological control
Spider mites are known to be strongly affected by predatory mites in some cropping systems, especially perennials such as tree fruits. Many species of insects are also known to feed on spider mites, including predatory bugs, thrips, lacewings, and ladybird beetles.
Management-chemical control: HOME USE
Miticides must be applied at low thresholds to achieve effective control. Once populations exceed five mites per leaf, control may be difficult.
- azadirachtin (neem oil)-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
- bifenthrin (as a mix with zeta-cypermethrin).
- horticultural oil-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
- insecticidal soap-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
- plant essential oils (e.g., cottonseed, clove, garlic, rosemary) have shown some efficacy against spider mites-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
- sulfur (as a mix with pyrethrins)-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE
Miticides must be applied at low thresholds to achieve effective control. Once populations exceed five mites per leaf, control with miticides may be difficult.
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