📚 Topic Summary
Preventing spider mite infestations involves creating an environment that's unfavorable to them and favorable to your plants. This includes maintaining plant health through proper watering and fertilization, ensuring good air circulation, and regularly inspecting your plants for early signs of infestation. Introducing beneficial insects can also help control spider mite populations naturally. Essentially, proactive care and a healthy garden ecosystem are key to keeping these pests at bay.
🌱 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Predatory Mites |
A. Tiny pests that suck plant sap, causing stippling and webbing. |
| 2. Horticultural Oil |
B. Maintaining optimal growing conditions for plants, enhancing their natural defenses. |
| 3. Spider Mites |
C. A type of oil used to smother pests on plants. |
| 4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
D. Beneficial insects that feed on spider mites. |
| 5. Plant Vigor |
E. A comprehensive approach to pest control that combines various methods. |
(Answers: 1-D, 2-C, 3-A, 4-E, 5-B)
💧 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the missing words in the paragraph below:
Regularly ________ your plants for signs of spider mites, paying close attention to the ________ of leaves. Good ________ circulation is crucial in preventing infestations, as spider mites thrive in ________ and humid environments. Use a strong stream of ________ to dislodge mites from plants.
(Answers: inspect, undersides, air, dry, water)
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Why is a holistic approach, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), more effective than relying solely on chemical pesticides for spider mite control?