Spider mites

Identification :

Spider mites are common pests of fruit trees, vegetables, berries, vines, houseplants, and ornamental plants. Mites are tiny and difficult to see. Although related to insects, mites are arachnids just like spiders and ticks.

Identifying Mite Infestations in Crops:

Detecting mite infestations in crops can be challenging due to their small size. However, some telltale signs can help farmers recognize their presence:

1. Leaf Damage: Mite feeding often leads to stippling or tiny yellowish spots on the upper surface of leaves. As the infestation progresses, leaves may become bronzed or discolored, ultimately leading to premature leaf drop.
2. Fine Webbing: Some mite species produce fine webbing, especially on the undersides of leaves. This webbing serves as a protective shelter for the mites and can be observed with close inspection.
3. Distorted Growth: Severe mite infestations can distort the growth of crops, including curling, cupping, or twisting of leaves.

Symptoms :

They mainly occur on the underside of leaves where they pierce the cells and suck out the contents. The empty dead cells become yellow, and in many plants the damage can also be seen on the upper surface of leaves as small yellow dots.

Managing the Pest :

Neem oil emulsion works well .One can also spray sour buttermilk well diluted after applying the emulsion. Giving the plant one teaspoon of epsom salt at root zone helps the plant to bounce back to life.