Advice For Successful Mite Management

Two-spotted spider mite infestation on rose bud

Two-spotted spider mite infestation on rose bud.

Unfortunately, two-spotted spider mites continue to be a problem, and control can be tough. There are several reliable active ingredients and predaceous mites, but there is no “silver bullet” for mite control.

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Some of the biggest challenges include managing resistance among different active ingredients, ensuring proper spray coverage and selecting proper active ingredients for each life stage. If utilizing predatory mites, it may be challenging to select the appropriate rate and timing of release and effectively incorporate the use of beneficial mites with the use of chemistry.

Mite Management Strategy

Use the following tips to achieve successful mite control:

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  • Establish an effective scouting and recordkeeping program.
  • Include at least three different modes of action in rotation. Apply each product two to three times back-to-back. Follow label recommendations for application intervals.
  • Avoid overuse of a single miticide.
  • Ensure spray coverage reaches the top and bottom of leaves and stems. If there are problems getting control with every miticide used, there is a good chance that spray coverage is not what it needs to be.
  • Use surfactants with most miticides on thick or waxy foliage according to label recommendations.
  • Use systemic or translaminar products with a surfactant according to label recommendations.
  • Timing depends on pressure and time of year. Under heavy pressure, apply every seven to 10 days. The first spray application should target the mobile stages (adults/immatures). The second spray application should target the immature stage and eggs.

If using predatory mites:

  • Make releases early as preventive applications.
  • Use active ingredients that are compatible with predatory mites.
  • Use appropriate rates in relation to pest population and area to be treated.
  • Ensure environmental conditions are conducive to predatory mites’ needs.
  • Scouting must continue after your predatory mite release and/or pesticide application in order to ensure that your management practices are successful.

Click here to read details on successful mite scouting and plant protection, including an Avid information sheet, links to mite rotation and integrated crop management program for control of spider mites from Syngenta.

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