Damage is often underestimated since the wounds and the pest are not apparent to our eyes without close inspection. In the field, spider mites are favored by hot dry weather, which also aggravates injury by stressing the plant. Large populations produce visible webbing that can completely cover the leaves. Crop Injury:įeeding injury often gives the top leaf surfaces a mottled or speckled, dull appearance. Egg to adult cycle can be completed in 7-14 days depending on temperature. Following a brief larval stage, several nymphal stages occur before adults appear.
Eggs hatch into larvae in as few as 3 days. Life Cycle:Įggs are laid singly, up to 100 per female, during her 3- to 4-week life span. As with most pests, catching the problem early will mean easier control. Outbreaks are often caused by the use of broad-spectrum insecticides which interfere with the numerous natural enemies that help to manage mite populations. They have up to 20 generations per year and are favored by excess nitrogen and dry and dusty conditions. Two-spotted spider mites are one of the most important pests of eggplant. Spider mites can occur in tomato, eggplant, potato, vine crops such as melons, cucumbers, and other crops. The two-spotted spider mite is the most common mite species that attacks vegetable and fruit crops in New England.
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