Two key pests must be controlled in greenhouse strawberry cultivation
Spider mites are a major pest in greenhouses and polytunnel cultivation; strawberries grown in greenhouses are prone to outbreaks of red spider mite damage in the middle and late stages of growth. Affected plants become stunted and decline prematurely, and the leaves turn reddish-brown and dry up. If damage occurs during the flowering period, the fruit becomes smaller and hard, and the number of deformed fruits increases, seriously affecting the yield and quality of fresh strawberries. In severe cases, yield can be reduced by 30%-4...
The main species include the green peach aphid and the cotton aphid, which damage leaves and leaf stalks. Aphids not only harm strawberries directly, but more importantly they can transmit strawberry virus diseases, so strict control is essential in production. Aphids break out severely under high temperature and dry conditions. Spray with 3% acetamiprid emulsifiable concentrate at 3000 times dilution, or 70% imidacloprid water-dispersible granules at 20000 times dilution, or 10% imidacloprid wettable powder at 2500 times dilution for control. Yellow sticky boards can also be hung up to trap aphids.
Spider mites
Several species of spider mites harm strawberries, with the common ones being the two-spotted spider mite and the carmine spider mite. Spider mites are very small and prefer to suck sap on young leaves or on the underside of leaves. High temperatures accelerate their reproduction and cause rampant damage. Affected leaves turn reddish-brown, curl and dry up, and plant growth and development are significantly hindered. The two-spotted spider mite in particular has a wide host range and strong resistance to pesticides, so it must be given great attention. After flowering, in order to protect honeybees, it is necessary to switch to insecticides that are very safe for bees. Spray with 5% flufenoxuron emulsifiable concentrate at 1000-1500 times dilution for control, and spray once more after 7-10 days.