Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

Aunt Sally Never Had Mites on Her Marigolds - by Robert Seay

First posted on 08-10-2007

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Recent events prompted me to review the cause of a spider mite attack on blackberries. Since spider mites are practically invisible to the naked eye, the resulting plant damage was noted long before realizing I had a serious infestation. It also jogged my memory regarding the fact that my Aunt Sally never had a spider mite problem in her garden!

Mites suck moisture out of plant tissue resulting in wilting, spotting, discoloration and eventual browning of foliage. Mites enjoy hot, dry weather and can regenerate within seven days. As a result, severe damage can occur at a time when plants are weather stressed. This often makes it difficult for plants to recover even if mites are controlled, so early detection is important.

Since mites are almost impossible to see, we can detect them by thumping a leaf or branch over a white sheet of paper. Some trash will be dislodged, along with other things, but if the specks start to crawl off the paper, you have spider mites.

It’s often noted that to find spider mites, just look at a marigold. This isn’t entirely fair since mites enjoy juniper, azalea, roses, beans, tomatoes, blackberries and strawberries, to name a few. Obviously, if you have preferred plants in your garden or landscape, check them routinely.

Spider mite control can be difficult. A timely application of a labeled miticide can be used and perhaps repeated in order to halt heavy infestations. In garden situations, control may prove less than ideal, so perseverance is one key to keeping mite populations in check.

Old-time gardeners would swear by nicotine concoctions for controlling spider mites. I’ve witnessed successful mite control efforts from such potions, so I can’t downplay the results. However, a note of caution is in order for those who may receive tomatoes from gardeners who are known snuff dippers! Having said that, you now know why Aunt Sally, a known double-dipper, never had spider mites in her garden!

Share | |

Comments: