Symptoms
Fine webbing on leaves. Stippled yellow spots on upper leaf surface. Leaf bronzing and drop in severe cases. Thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Prevention
Maintain humidity above 60%. Avoid water stress. Remove heavily infested leaves. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill predatory mites.
Treatment
Organic
Release predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis). Spray neem oil or horticultural oil. Sulfur-based miticides.
Chemical (last resort)
Apply abamectin or spiromesifen. Rotate chemical groups every 2-3 applications. Avoid pyrethroid use (causes mite flare-ups).
Affects 1 crop
Sources
MARDI Mite Management Guide