Field Alerts

1. Field Alerts Important finds, news, and diagnosis.

2. Spider Mites

3. Twospotted Spider Mite Spider mites flourish on hot dry days and because of the short gestation period can take over a field before their presence is known. Plants severally affected by spider mites begin to demonstrate leaf stippling and drying down. Normally spider mites affect the outer edges of the field first, before moving inward in a circular pattern. Spider mites puncture plant cells in order to feed, this eventually causes the plants to dry up. There are no known prevention methods making it important to scout fields for mites. One way to help with identifying a spider mite problem is to take a white sheet of paper (or paper plate) to the field with you. Spider mites often begin invading plates toward the outer edge of the field. Take the paper (or plate) and place it toward the bottom of the plant. Shake the plant enough that the debris fall onto the paper. If there are spider mites on the plant they will likely show as small reddish brown specs moving around on the paper. Another sign to look for is speckling on the leaf of crops. If you see this discoloration you may want to use your paper and check that area for spider mites. To control and suppress spider mites an effective miticide should be used. Please feel free to contact your DOVE Ag Services Representative with any questions or help with identifying and controlling spider mites.