Postplant applications of insecticides are not likely to be effective due to the inability of the product to reach the root zone. They deposit eggs on the undersides of leaves in early to late May that hatch in about a week. Larvae are green to brown in color and feed initially on the undersides of leaves beneath a silken covering. Adults emerge to start a second generation in late June to early July. Winter is passed as pupae in rolled leaves or as larvae under surface debris.
Infested leaves turn brown and die.
Heavily infested beds take on a grayish cast accompanied by the production of withered and deformed fruit. Best results are obtained when sprays are applied before the leaves are rolled, with sufficient pressure to thoroughly cover the undersides of the leaves. Koch Spider mites are not insects, but are more closely related to ticks and spiders. Mites feed by sucking fluids from the plants and generally occur in highest numbers on the undersides of leaves. Heavily infested leaves may be covered with fine, irregular webs in which mites, eggs, and shed skins are suspended appearing as dust particles.