Types of Acaricides Used in Agriculture and Their Applications

Imagine walking through your fields and observing small webs on leaves or small spots on fruits. These are early signs of mite infestations, which often reduce crop yields.

Many Indian farmers initially overlook them, as they seem harmless, but later, they can slowly damage leaves, flowers, and fruits. In India, crops such as paddy, maize, vegetables, and pulses are likely to be affected by mite infestations. This will affect the quantity as well as the quality of the yields, too, if it is not detected and resolved on time. 

In such cases, acaricides protect crops from mite infestations. Unlike common insecticides, they specifically target mites and act as a defense mechanism. Proper use ensures healthier plants, improved yields, and higher income for farmers.

Every farmer knows how quickly pest attacks can affect crop health and income. Acaricides play a big role in controlling these tiny but harmful mites. This guide will help you understand the types of acaricides, their uses, and how the right treatment can save your crops and improve your overall harvest returns.

What Are Acaricides?

Acaricides are agents or substances that control mite infestations of crops and stored grains. They can be derived from both natural resources and chemical synthesis. Here, Acaricides act as protectors for plants, preventing damage and controlling pest populations effectively. Using it with the recommended dosage and methods could control and eradicate the pests and restrict them from multiplying.

Understanding Mites and Their Impact on Crops

Mites are smaller than most insects and often invisible to the naked eye. You can detect them by observing visible symptoms on crops, such as yellowing or curling leaves. Mites take feed from the plant’s sap and are capable of multiplying rapidly. The majority of Indian farming areas are hot and dry, which is favorable for rapid growth.

The mite attacks cause yellowing and curling leaves. Plants lose their vitality to produce quality fruits. Thus, it could affect both crop quality and quantity. The crops may lose their overall healthy growth and become sensitive to other pest attacks and diseases. Overall, crops will lose their immunity and be easily prone to other damage.

How Do Acaricides Work?

Acaricides work based on the type of mite attack in crops. Their main role is to kill mites completely, preventing reproduction and further growth. When applied directly on the stems, leaves, and affected parts of the plants, Acaricides destroy the mites present on the plants. 

It provides protection for new leaves from mite attacks, prevents feeding, and reproduction. Without over-dependence on repeated spraying, Acaricides can maintain crop health sustainably.

Moreover, natural acaricides are generally eco-friendly and don’t harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs.

Types of Acaricides Used in Agriculture

As the way Acaricides work depends on the damage caused by mites, farmers likewise have to choose the right Acaricides for their crops. They are generally available in three types. Each will serve unique benefits in plants based on the issues. Let's look into their types.

Contact Acaricides

Contact acaricides are applied directly to the affected parts of the plants. Without entering the plants, they function on the external parts of the plants. They only remain on the leaves, stems, and fruits. When mites come to the treated parts and feed on the plant's sap, they will be eliminated. Thus, the direct application of acaricides gives an immediate response, kills mites, and prevents further spreading.

Systemic Acaricides

Unlike contact acaricides, these are directly absorbed by plants through their roots or leaves. These types of acaricides can reach plant tissue internally and attack mites while they eat the plant's parts. Once entering the plants, systemic acaricides could reach the new shoots, leaves, and fruits. So that it can fight against invisible mites. This type of acaricide ensures long-lasting protection even on new leaves.

Natural and Botanical Acaricides

Natural or botanical acaricides are an ideal option for farmers who practice organic farming. Without harming crops and the environment, natural and botanical acaricides help to reduce the mites. Further, it disrupts their feeding and reproductive processes.

When applied directly to plants and sprayed onto leaves, it forms a protective layer that prevents mites from feeding and damaging crops. This type of acaricide has a different taste and smell that should be unfavorable for mites. So that the mites go away without causing any harm to the crops. 

Some natural acaricides can block the entire feeding and breathing process of the mites and eventually cause them to die. When spraying on affected parts, it could heal the area effectively, improving photosynthesis and reducing further infections.

Benefits of Using Acaricides in Farming

Acaricides serve numerous benefits to Indian crops. Using acaricides in the right method brings overall healthy cultivation. Let's see how acaricides support healthy farming and increase better harvesting.

• It forms a shield on crops, kills the mites, and restricts their further damage. So that mites couldn’t suck the plant sap, thus enhancing the photosynthesis process. This process supports plants to make food effectively.
• Using acaricides on leaves keeps them fresh and green for a long time.
• It helps plants to effectively feed and grow strong, boosting the plants' immune systems to fight against mite attacks.
• It provides energy to the plants to heal and induces better flowering and fruit formation.
• Acaricides maintain proper mite control so that crops can produce large fruits. It ensures fruits, leaves, and stems quality leading to fetch good price in the market and more income for farmers.
• Moreover, it supports in maintaining the balance between pest control and healthy yield. Overall, it keeps the soil healthy for future crops.

Safety Precautions When Using Acaricides

Following safety measures while using acaricides for crops means producing strong crops. Using them without considering the recommendations and safety measures can harm both crops and farmers. Let’s understand some essential safety measures and how to use them effectively.

• Before applying acaricides to crops, farmers have to read the manufacturer's label or seek advice from the manufacturer’s support system. They have to be aware of the ideal dosage and dilution ratio. 
• Each type of acaricide is more effective with specific crops, so understanding the target crop is crucial.
• Improper chemical mixing can damage leaves, while following proper guidelines ensures better results.
• Apply acaricides to the crops while wearing a mask and gloves, then dispose of them by covering them with bin bags. Dispose of the used containers responsibly and avoid leaving them in the field, water, or the nearby pond to avoid water contamination.
• Always keep it away from children and animals.

Conclusion:

Acaricides play a major role in protecting Indian crops from mite attacks. Understanding the types of acaricides enhances farmers choose the right one based on their crop conditions. It prevents crops that are most likely to be attacked by mites in India, such as paddy, cotton, vegetables, fruits, and tea.

Identifying their presence in the early stage and timely acaricide use ensures crop health and makes them produce better quality and higher yields. Beyond pest control, it brings profit to farmers. Thus, it reduces fertilizer costs and yields a large volume of high-quality produce.