Professional Marijuana Grower May-June 2019 Issue | Page 12

ingredient fenpyroximate), Floramite (active ingredient bi- fenazate), Hexygon (active ingredient hexythiazox), Judo (active ingredient spiromesifen), Ovation (active ingredi- ent clofentezine), Pylon (active ingredient chlorfenapyr), Sanmite (active ingredient pyridaben), Shuttle (active ingredient acequinocyl), TetraSan (active ingredient etox- azole), and Promite (active ingredient fenbutatin-oxide). The difference between the various chemical miticides is the mode of action the active ingredient takes. In other words, how it specifically affects the spider mites. Natural or Organic Miticides Just because an insecticide is natural or organic it does not necessarily mean it is completely safe to use. As with chemical miticides, cannabis growers should always follow the manufacturer’s application instruc- tions and research the toxicity of each substance before use. Again, cannabis growers should avoid using all pesticides/miticides during the flowering stage, wheth- er they are organic or not. Natural and organic mite treatment options include pyrethrins (a natural deriva- tive from chrysanthemums), azadirachtin (a compound found in neem oil), castile soap (commonly referred to as insecticidal soap), and various plant oil extracts (gar- lic, clove, cayenne pepper, rosemary, cinnamon, and thyme). Like chemical miticides, natural miticides differ by the mode of action it takes against the mites. 12 • Professional Marijuana Grower An indoor cannabis garden with an environment condu- cive to accelerated plant growth is also an ideal breed- ing ground for the dreaded spider mite. This is why it is so important for cannabis growers to implement any and all preventative measures available. If a spider mite infestation is contracted, most hobby cannabis cultiva- tors are best off controlling the problem until harvest and then starting over from seed. Large scale cannabis operations may not have the option of a restart and must choose the most effective treatment option. Some foreknowledge of spider mites and their behavior will only be beneficial for quick and positive identification. Once spider mites are in the garden, the cultivator must weigh their options and act quickly. Beneficial insects offer the safest solution for controlling spider mites, while chemical miticides (when used correctly) can achieve a higher level of eradication. All in all, canna- bis growers should do everything they can to protect their plants from spider mites, but priority should also be placed on the products and methods which protect themselves and the consumers of the crop. PMG Eric Hopper is a Professional Marijuana Grower Se- nior Editor. He can be contacted at [email protected]. May/June 2019