Two-spotted spider mite on tomato
Tomato is a harder crop for the specialist predator: UConn Extension notes that the glandular hairs on tomato leaves reduce Phytoseiulus dispersal, and K-State that leaf hairs hinder its search for prey. Release it early, at the first mites, concentrated on the infested plants, and check a week later that it has spread. Scout the undersides of lower leaves and the hottest, driest parts of the house first.
At a glance
- Damage
- Pale stippling, bronzing, webbing under leaves
- Type
- Sap feeding
- Settings
- Under glass, Field, Garden, Indoors
- Threshold
- At the first mites found — no numeric threshold
- Release
- Phytoseiulus persimilis
- Rate
- 2–50 /m² per release, repeated once or twice at weekly intervals
How to confirm it
Confirm with a 10× hand lens on the leaf underside: oval yellowish-green mites with a dark blotch on each side, round translucent eggs, white cast skins and fine webbing. Tap a leaf over white paper and they walk off.
Identification, lifecycle, degree days and every control option are on the full Two-spotted spider mite profile. Not sure it is this pest? Answer four questions about the damage.
Work it out
How many do I need?
Carries Phytoseiulus persimilis and tomato through so nothing is re-entered. Open the calculator →