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Summer Crops Under Siege: Mite Infestations on the Rise
3 Jun
Summary
- Spider mites thrive on leaf undersides, causing yellow spots and weakening plants.
- Prolonged warm weather accelerates mite spread in Punjab's summer vegetables.
- Integrated pest management and botanical extracts are recommended control methods.
As of June 3, 2026, Punjab's vegetable farmers are warned about escalating mite infestations, fueled by unusually warm and dry weather conditions. These environmental factors create a favorable breeding ground for spider mites, accelerating their spread across key summer crops such as okra, brinjal, and cucumber.
The pests, often microscopic and thriving on the underside of leaves, feed by sucking vital fluids. This feeding behavior results in visible damage, including yellowing spots and necrotic speckling, ultimately weakening the plants and impacting crop yields. Severe infestations can lead to the development of dense webbing on leaves and fruits, further hindering plant health and providing protection for the mites.
Experts from Punjab Agricultural University recommend an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. This approach emphasizes cultural practices like maintaining weed-free fields and removing crop residues that can harbor mites. Additionally, botanical extracts, such as dharek and neem-based solutions, are suggested as eco-friendly alternatives for controlling mite populations. For severe outbreaks, the need-based application of approved acaricides is advised, with specific recommendations for brinjal and okra crops.
