⚠ ModerateFine yellow stippling and bronzing on leaves — spider mite damage, worst during hot, dry weather.
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Pests
Spider Mites on Tomato Plants
Commonly affects: Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato)
Fine yellow stippling spreads across leaf surfaces, with fine webbing visible between leaves and stems in advanced infestations. Affected leaves eventually bronze, dry out, and drop, especially during hot, dry weather.
Potential Causes
- 1Hot, dry conditions accelerating spider mite reproduction dramatically
- 2Dusty foliage providing a hospitable surface for mites to establish
- 3Drought-stressed plants being more susceptible to heavy infestation
Solution Steps
- 1Rinse plants thoroughly with a strong jet of water, focusing on leaf undersides.
- 2Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5-7 days for two to three cycles.
- 3Increase humidity around plants where practical — mites struggle above 60% relative humidity.
- 4Introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) for biological control in persistent cases.
Prevention Tip
Keep plants consistently watered during hot spells — drought-stressed tomatoes are far more vulnerable to spider mite population explosions.
