Management of Mites Under Organic Farming

Abstract

Organic forming is a method of crop production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers and genetically modified organisms. Organic farming presents many challenges; some crops are more difficult to grow organically. For suppression of spider mites in greenhouses, proper management of temperature and relative humidity can be useful. The knowledge obtained from biological, ecological and behavioural information can be used to plan the management of mite pests. An organic farmer with experience can know how to manipulate the natural enemies of spider mites to protect their crops. For managing mite pests, cultural practices that suppress mite pests but encourage population of their natural enemies should be used. Elimination of crop residues can destroy mite pests and prevent them from damaging subsequent crops. Poor water management (especially too little water) can predispose plants to spider mites and many other insect pests. Dry weather, low humidity and temperatures exceeding 30 °C are associated with spider mite growth. Good farm sanitation can help to prevent introductions of mite pests from outside sources and slow their movement within the farm. Regular monitoring for mite pests and their natural enemies is very important for their management.