Horticultural crops are susceptible to diseases caused by various parasites. Tomatoes are undoubtedly one of their favorite vegetable crops. Moreover, some pests often settle directly on tomato seedlings. One of the most common and dangerous parasites is the spider mite.
These parasites multiply very quickly and destroy crops just as quickly. They usually live in colonies. In size they reach no more than one millimeter, and the larvae are completely transparent, looks like small dots. The name of the pest corresponds to the nature of its life: it weaves soft thin cobwebs on the plant, in particular around the leaves. It feeds on plant sap, thereby gradually depriving it of its vitality. Pests live on the back of the leaves, so an inexperienced gardener may not notice the damage to the crop until obvious signs appear.
A spider mite on tomato seedlings can quickly lead plants to death.
Spider mite on tomato seedlings
Signs
The mite on tomatoes is noticeable and easy to spot. The main sign of pest infestation is noticeable drying of the leaves, up to death. The following signs can be distinguished that a tick lives on tomato seedlings:
- The presence of small white dots on the back of the leaves, on the stem;
- The leaves of the plant dry out, despite the regularity of watering;
- There may be a soft white spider web on the seedlings;
- Lack of flowers;
- Dryness control measures are failing.
Signs of a tick on tomatoes
Causes
The appearance of mites, as a rule, contributes to the contamination of the soil. The main condition for their development is low humidity.
A seedling affected by a pest looks like it has deteriorated from drought or exposure to sunlight. The reason for the appearance of the plant really lies in aridity. The fact is that the spider mite is especially common in those regions where there is low air humidity. These pests are afraid of water and feel great in a dry and warm place, whether it be open ground or a greenhouse.
To avoid the appearance of parasites, it is recommended to periodically spray the seedlings with water.
What to do if a spider web appears on tomatoes
If parasites are found on seedlings, especially if they are kept on the balcony, you need to take action as soon as possible. There are home pest control methods available. Although spider mites are afraid of moisture, using water may not be effective for larvae. In general, several methods can be distinguished in the fight against a pest.
- Use of laundry soap. To do this, dissolve a bar of laundry soap in warm water. To facilitate this process, the soap can be crushed. Then you need to add some more cold water. The optimal ratio is 100 g of soap per 1 liter of water. The resulting solution can be sprayed with infected seedlings. However, in order for the culture treatment to give the desired result, the procedure must be repeated after three days.
- Alcohol. To save money, the leaves and stems can be treated with a cotton swab. The procedure should be repeated every two days until the pests are completely eliminated.
- Highly carbonated drinks, which in large quantities are harmful to humans, sometimes bring undeniable benefits in economic matters. Each tomato seedling should be thoroughly sprayed with a sweet drink from a spray bottle. Parasites die quickly.However, this method can be very costly if you have a large vegetable garden.
How to deal with spider mites
You can fight a tick on tomatoes not only with proven folk methods, but also with the help of proven chemicals. Acaricides against pests vary in composition and cost. In general, there are some popular ones:
- Actellic. It is a broad spectrum acaroinsecticide. Effective against many parasites. Contains poison that is harmful to pets. It is recommended to carry out the treatment outdoors, always wearing protective clothing. The cost of one ampoule of 2 ml is about 30-40 rubles. Dilute 2 ml of substance in 1 liter of water.
- Kleschevite. Effective against spider mites. This is an affordable tool: a 4 ml ampoule costs about 20 rubles. Dilute 4 ml of substance in 1 liter of water.
- Neoron. A relatively expensive drug: a 4 ml ampoule costs about 50 rubles. Neoron is included in the class of low-hazard chemicals, this is an undoubted advantage. Dilute 2 ml per 1 liter of water.
- Bitoxibacillin. Destroys adult parasites. Effective in the early stages of infection. It is not dangerous for both humans and animals. The average cost of a package of 50 grams reaches about 120 rubles.
It is recommended to use chemicals against pests, as well as for preventive purposes twice, with an interval of two weeks.
Despite the potential threat to seedlings from a spider mite, it is not difficult to get rid of this pest. However, you must follow the instructions, follow all recommendations for the maintenance of seedlings, as well as preventive measures.
