Spider mites on eggplant
The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is the worst pest of eggplant under cover. It sucks sap from the leaf undersides, causing fine stippling at first and then whole leaves drying out.
Symptom photos
Symptoms
- Fine, pale stippling and mottling on the upper leaf surface
- Delicate webbing on the leaf underside and in the vein axils
- Rusty-brown, drying leaves in a heavy attack
- Moving yellow-green or reddish mites visible with a hand lens
- Leaves drying from the bottom of the plant upwards
What it does to the crop
- Loss of leaf area and growth checked
- A marked drop in yield and small fruit
- Plants dying off early
- Very fast breeding and spread to other plants
What encourages it
- High temperature above 25°C
- Humidity below 50%
- Growing under cover without misting or ventilation
- Too much nitrogen
Prevention
- Raise humidity by damping down the paths
- Check leaf undersides regularly from June
- Introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
- Remove the oldest, affected leaves
- Disinfect the tunnel structure after the season
⚠️ Before you reach for a spray
This atlas is informational and still growing — different diseases can look almost identical. Confirm the diagnosis and read the product label before applying any plant protection product. If you are unsure, ask your local extension or advisory service.
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