Contents
- How to identify a tick on a strawberry
- Why are there mites in strawberries?
- How to process and how to deal with spider mites, strawberry mites on strawberries in spring, summer, autumn
- Measures for the prevention and protection of strawberries from strawberry mites
- Strawberry varieties resistant to strawberry mites
- Conclusion
It is important to deal with strawberry mites on strawberries competently and in a timely manner, otherwise the crop will suffer, the culture may die. There are several reasons for the appearance of a pest and many ways to deal with it – drugs, folk remedies, repellent plants. Planting resistant varieties and other preventive measures will help prevent the appearance of a tick.
How to identify a tick on a strawberry
The dimensions of the pest are microscopic – the length of females is 0,2 mm, males are 1,5 times smaller. It is important to know what a mite-infested strawberry looks like:
- bushes are underdeveloped;
- the leaves are small, wrinkled and twisted, have acquired a yellowish tint;
- on the back of the plates there is a silvery coating;
- crushing berries;
- the fruits dry out, not having time to ripen;
- winter hardiness decreases.
The maturation of the larvae takes only 2-3 weeks. The intensive growth lasts the same amount before turning into an adult.
You should study all the signs of a strawberry mite on strawberries, partially shown in the photo. Treatment must begin immediately. The short period of growth of larvae and huge fecundity lead to the fact that up to five generations of the pest can appear in one season.
How to distinguish a nematode from a tick on strawberries
Signs of damage by strawberry mites and nematodes are similar, both have a microscopic size. The main difference is the type of leaves. When affected by a strawberry mite, their color brightens, and because of the nematode, leathery dark green spots appear, the central veins swell in several places, which resembles fractures.
Worm-infected plants have reddish leaf petioles. They are shortened and twisted, but thick. There is a strong branching of the stems, an ugly form of ovaries, buds, flowers, fruits. The stems and whiskers thicken, pale green growths appear.
Why are there mites in strawberries?
The tick has microscopic dimensions, it usually spreads over the area due to wind, rain, birds, humans – on clothes, shoes, tools. Infection of neighboring bushes is carried out through the mustache and adjoining leaves. The following conditions contribute to the appearance of a pest:
- shaded place;
- high landing density;
- irregular weeding and loosening;
- non-compliance with crop rotation;
- use of contaminated planting material.
The weather is considered to be an important factor for the emergence and reproduction. The spider mite prefers dry and sunny areas, while the transparent and cyclamen like irrigated soil. The optimal conditions for reproduction are a temperature of 19-25 ° C and high (80-90%) humidity.
With the onset of autumn, the number of ticks decreases; they leave for wintering at a temperature of 12 ° C and below. To survive the cold, pests climb into the heart of a bush or folds of young ground leaves.
How to process and how to deal with spider mites, strawberry mites on strawberries in spring, summer, autumn
There are different ways to deal with strawberry mites. You can destroy it with chemicals, folk remedies, scare away some plants. Effectively combine several methods at once.
Mite preparations on strawberries
An effective way to get rid of strawberry mites on strawberries is to use chemicals. They require security measures.
Carbophos
This drug is a contact-intestinal insecticide with a wide spectrum of action and is considered one of the best remedies for strawberry mites on strawberries. Karbofos is based on malathion, which has no taste and smell. When it enters the body and the digestive system of the tick, the substance becomes very toxic and leads to death within a few hours.
You can buy a water-soluble powder, suspension or ready-made working solution. Strawberry mite treatment is carried out after harvest in August. First you need to remove the leaves, then spill the product on each outlet. To kill a tick, an 8-liter bucket of water needs a 60-gram package of the drug in powder. After processing, it is recommended to cover the area with a film.
Neoron
This contact insecticide is based on bromopropylate. An ampoule of the drug must be dissolved in 10 liters of water – this volume is enough for 20 m². To destroy the tick, you need to treat the stems and leaves on both sides with the agent. With spring spraying, at least 1,5 months should remain before harvesting.
Ambient temperature does not affect Neoron’s efficiency. The effect of the drug lasts up to four weeks.
Fufanon-Nova
This drug belongs to insectoacaricides, based on malathion. It acts on ticks similarly to Karbofos. With the prepared solution, it is necessary to process the stems and leaves of strawberries on both sides. Do this in calm weather in the morning or evening.
To destroy the strawberry mite, it is convenient to use the drug in the form of an aqueous emulsion. An ampoule of 2 ml must be dissolved in 1,7 liters of water. This amount of funds is enough for 10 m² of landings. Strawberries should be sprayed twice with an interval of seven days. Before harvesting after the last treatment with the drug, at least three weeks should remain.
Aktellik
This insectoacaricide has a wide spectrum of action. It is based on pirimiphos-methyl. For spraying strawberries, you need to dissolve 15 ml of the drug in 10 liters of water. This amount of funds is enough to process one hundred acres of landings. To destroy the tick, spraying is carried out twice with an interval of 20 days. There should be at least three weeks left before harvesting strawberries.
Akarin
One of the best insectoacaricides is Akarin. It is based on Avertin-N, which paralyzes the tick within 4-16 hours. The substance does not accumulate in fruits. Harvesting can be done within three days after spraying with the drug.
To treat strawberries from strawberry mites, dilute 1-2 ml of Acarin in 1 liter of water and mix thoroughly. Wet leaves evenly, choose dry and clear weather, without wind.
Apollo
You can destroy the strawberry mite with this drug based on clofentezin. Its toxic effect persists for at least a month. Apollo will not destroy adult ticks, but sterilizes them – the ability to reproduce disappears.
To spray strawberries, you need to prepare a solution – 2 ml of the drug per 5 liters of water. The liquid is bright pink. This volume is enough to process a hundred square meters.
Phytoverm
This drug is an insectoacaricide and is based on aversectin C. The substance acts on the nervous system of ticks, causing paralysis and subsequent death. In the open field, the drug begins to work after 8-16 hours, protection lasts up to two weeks.
To destroy the tick, Fitoverm 0,1% must be diluted at the rate of 1-2 ml per liter of water. This volume is enough for at least ten bushes. 3-4 sprays are needed with a weekly interval. After processing, strawberries cannot be harvested for at least three days.
Tivit Jet
This drug is based on sulfur and is both an acaricide and a fungicide, that is, it not only destroys mites, but also helps with powdery mildew and other diseases. To process strawberries, a 10-liter bucket of water needs 10 g of Thiovit Jet. To destroy the tick, spraying must be repeated several times per season.
Folk remedies for strawberry mite on strawberries
You can also destroy the strawberry mite using folk methods. Often they do not require additional costs.
Phytoseiulus
This name hides a special kind of predatory mite-acarifagus. You can buy it in gardening stores, order online. This acariphagus feeds on other mites, including spider mites and strawberry mites. One female can eat up to 30 eggs per day or 15-25 adults.
To destroy the strawberry mite, it is enough to release 1-10 phytoseiulus per 15 m². They multiply and develop quickly. The females of this acariphagus live for three weeks, laying an average of four eggs.
Lukovaâ Husk
To destroy the pest, you need to prepare an infusion of dry husks – pour warm water (10 liters per 0,2 kg), leave for five days, strain. You can spray strawberries from a tick before flowering and after harvesting. 2-3 treatments at 5-day intervals are recommended.
Garlic
An effective method of dealing with strawberry mites on strawberries is an infusion of garlic.
You need to prepare the remedy like this:
- Peel 1,5 kg of garlic, chop, put in a suitable jar.
- Add 1,5 liters of water.
- Close the jar tightly with a plastic lid.
- Insist 1-1,5 weeks in a dark warm place. The liquid should turn brown and the garlic should settle.
- Strain the composition.
The product can be stored for months, bottled. To destroy a tick, it is enough to add 10-50 ml of concentrate to 60 liters of water. You need to spray strawberries several times. The first treatment is carried out in the spring after the snow melts at the beginning of the growth of the bushes – pay special attention to the petioles of the leaves, where the pest hibernates. Then you need two more sprayings with a weekly interval.
If strawberries are severely affected by a tick, then during budding it is worth using a more saturated agent – pour 0,7 kg of garlic into 10 liters of boiling water, leave for a day, dilute 1:10.
A decoction of tomato leaves with laundry soap
Tomato tops and laundry soap will help to destroy the strawberry mite on strawberries. The tool is prepared as follows:
- Pour 1 kg of leaves with stems into 10 liters of water, leave for several hours.
- Boil the infusion for three hours, strain.
- Strain the resulting composition, dilute in two parts of water.
- Add 1/5 bar of crushed laundry soap (40 g).
It is necessary to process strawberries when the product has cooled down.
Pharmacy mix
The remedy for this recipe destroys not only the strawberry mite, but also many other pests. To prepare for 40 liters of water you need:
- 80 ml of birch tar;
- 10 g of boric acid;
- 40 ml of ammonia;
- 25 ml of iodine;
- 30 ml fir oil.
All ingredients must be mixed and sprinkled with strawberries.
Dandelion leaf infusion
Fresh dandelion leaves will help to destroy the strawberry mite. Of these, you need to prepare an infusion:
- Finely chop 0,8 kg of greens.
- Pour in 10 liters of water heated to 40-50 °C.
- Infuse for four hours, shake three times during this time.
- Strain.
Use the prepared product immediately for spraying. After processing, cover the strawberries with a film for several hours.
Pest repellent plants
One of the ways to destroy the strawberry mite and prevent its appearance is to plant repeller plants next to strawberries. They are also called insecticides.
Tansy
This herbaceous perennial is a weed, often found along roadsides, in fields, meadows, and birch forests. It is poisonous, thujone in the composition provides toxicity, and camphor has a special smell.
Lavender
Ticks do not like this plant because of the specific smell. In all parts of the angustifolia lavender there is an essential oil, including camphor, linalool, ocimene. The pest does not tolerate these substances.
Dalmatian daisy
This plant is also called feverfew. Due to the toxic substances in the composition, it affects the muscles and nervous system of pests.
Cat mint
In another way, this plant is called catnip. The perennial repels insects with its strong odor due to the high content of essential oil. Catnip is unpretentious in care, blooms from mid-summer.
Rosemary ordinary
A perennial of this species is also called medicinal. It repels ticks with its aroma, which is provided by the composition of the essential oil. It is contained in different parts of the plant – leaves, flowers, tops of shoots.
Bleached black
This biennial has an unpleasant smell, and all parts are poisonous. This repels not only ticks, but also other pests. When planting, it should be noted that for some insects the plant is food. This mainly applies to the Colorado potato beetle and cabbage butterfly.
Measures for the prevention and protection of strawberries from strawberry mites
Strawberry mites can severely infect strawberries, leading to their death. It is important not only to destroy pests in a timely manner, but also to take preventive measures so that they do not appear:
- buy only healthy planting material in proven places;
- do not plant strawberries in lowlands, shading;
- loosen and weed the soil in a timely manner;
- follow the planting pattern so that the bushes are ventilated and well lit;
- regularly cut off old foliage, get rid of extra mustaches and rosettes;
- timely and competently feed the culture;
- after harvesting, but until mid-August, strawberries can be cut – plant residues are collected and burned;
- if there are few foci of infection, then it is better to dig up and burn these bushes;
- observe crop rotation – return strawberries to their old place at least four years later, maintain the same interval after nightshade, cucumbers;
- change mulch annually;
- periodically update strawberries and transplant to a new place.
Seedlings can be disinfected by immersing them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Maximum temperature 65 °C. Only the top of the rosette and leaves should be dipped in water so as not to harm the root system.
Strawberry varieties resistant to strawberry mites
Destroying the strawberry mite is not easy, especially in advanced cases. You can reduce the risk of this pest by using varieties resistant to it, for example, Albion, Vityaz, Zarya, Zenga Zengana, Omskaya early (partial resistance), Torpedo, Honey and Elsanta.
The tick rarely infects forest and small-fruited strawberries, although it can be its carrier. Varieties with tender foliage and glucose-rich fruits are especially susceptible to the pest.
Conclusion
It is better to deal with strawberry mites on strawberries in a complex way. Attention should be paid to pest-resistant varieties, and preventive measures should be taken. You can destroy the tick with chemicals and folk remedies.