Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template

Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template Spider Mites

Problem
Leaves are stippled, bronzed, and dirty. There may be a silken webbing on the lower surfaces of the leaves or on the new growth. Infested leaves often turn brown, curl, and drop off. New leaves may be distorted. Plants are usually weak and appear unthrifty. To determine if the plant is infested with mites, hold a sheet of white paper underneath an affected leaf and tap the leaf sharply. Minute green, red, or yellow specks the size of pepper grains will drop to the paper and begin to crawl around. The pests are easily seen against the white background.

Analysis
These mites, related to spiders, are major pests of many garden and greenhouse plants. They cause damage by sucking sap from the undersides of the leaves. As a result of feeding, the green leaf pigment disappears, producing the stippled appearance. Many leaves may drop off. Severely infested plants produce few flowers. Mites are active throughout the growing season, but are favored by hot, dry weather (70°F and up). By midsummer, they build up to tremendous numbers. For more information about spider mites, see Mites.

Solution
Spray with a miticide containing hexakis when damage is first noticed. Cover the undersides of the leaves thoroughly. Repeat the application 2 more times at intervals of 7 to 10 days.

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