Content
- SOS! Spider mites on cucumbers! What to do?
- This is how spider mites can be recognized by cucumbers
- Effectively combat spider mites on cucumbers
- Tips & Tricks
SOS! Spider mites on cucumbers! What to do?
Spider mites especially like to eat cucumber leaves. They are among the most common pests. In summer temperatures, they attack the underside of the leaves and cover them with their typical, whitish web. So you get rid of the pests quickly.
The common spider mites - Tetranychus urticae - are yellowish-green or red-brown, tiny arachnids. They crawl on four pairs of legs. As with all types of mites, the head, chest and abdomen form an oval body. With the bristle-like mouthpiece, they pierce the plant cells and suck out the cell sap.
This is how spider mites can be recognized by cucumbers
First, small, bright, pinpointed dots are visible on the leaves. These enlarge quickly. In the advanced stage, the leaves turn yellow to gray-brown, dry up and die off. In addition, the young cucumber shoots are covered by a fine, whitish web. If you examine infected leaves under a magnifying glass, countless, spherical spider mites are visible on the undersides of the leaves. In the greenhouse, spider mites are particularly often found on cucumbers for these two reasons
Preventive measures: Avoid nitrogen fertilizer. Ensure balanced plant nutrition with organic green manure. Increase humidity in the greenhouse.
Effectively combat spider mites on cucumbers
There are enough natural spider mite killers, so you can do without the use of chemicals. Shower the infested cucumber plants vigorously with lukewarm water. Especially at the leaf bases. Then wrap in a large transparent plastic bag for 2 days. The damp climate destroys the spider mites and the cucumber plants gradually recover.
Spraying the plants with nettle and horsetail broth also works. In case of very strong infestation, spray with soapy water or skimmed milk.
Support the natural spider mite killers! Such as predatory mites. Pay attention to the use of pesticides on products that protect beneficial insects and at the same time prevent cucumber diseases.
If the natural balance is right and the cucumbers receive proper care, there are enough natural predators such as predatory mites, wasps, ladybugs, ground beetles, hoverfly and lacewings.
Tips & Tricks
Against each cucumber pest a herb has grown. You can place pots with herbs such as dill, chives or garlic between the cucumber plants. In addition, distribute clove powder on the potting soil.