Description:

• Red spider mites primarily infect crops during hot and dry conditions.
• They are most prevalent in the summer and early autumn seasons.
• Pest infestation can occur at any stage of the crop, but significant damage is caused during the flowering and fruiting stages.

Damage Symptoms:

• Red spider mites form large colonies on the underside of leaves.
• They are protected by the silk webbing constructed by females.
• Leaves affected by red spider mites exhibit characteristic whitish blotches, which later turn brownish.
• Eventually, the entire affected Brinjal leaf becomes discoloured and dries up.

Preventive Measures:

• Introduce natural predators such as lady beetles and lacewings into the field.

Control Measures:

• Spray wettable sulphur at 3-5 g/l or dicofol at 2.7 ml/l.