Broccoli Thunder Dome Fine Webbing - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Two-Spotted Spider Mite Infestation Tetranychus urticae (European Red Mite) Outbreak Thrips Damage

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Two-Spotted Spider Mite Infestation

Spider mites thrive in the warm, dry conditions often found in broccoli crops. They pierce the leaf cells to suck out nutrients, leaving behind fine silk webbing and characteristic stippling (tiny white dots) on the underside of the leaves.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Hold a white piece of paper under a broccoli leaf and tap it to see if tiny crawling specks fall onto the paper.

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1 Immediately apply an organic miticide to eliminate the spider mite population and destroy eggs/larvae.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Increase humidity and reduce heat around the plant to make the environment less hospitable for mite reproduction.

3 Check the undersides of leaves regularly using a magnifying glass to monitor for new webbing or stippling.

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Tetranychus urticae (European Red Mite) Outbreak

In dense-growing varieties like 'Thunder Dome', high humidity and heat can trigger rapid mite population growth. The webbing is a protective structure created by the mites to shield their eggs from predators and desiccation.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the underside of older leaves for small, reddish or orange moving dots.

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1 Apply an organic miticide or insecticide spray to the plant to eliminate the mites, eggs, and larvae. Ensure you coat the undersides of the leaves where mites typically congregate.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Physically remove visible webbing and large mite clusters by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or using a gentle stream of water to disrupt their protective structures.

3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure you aren't overwatering, as excessive humidity can exacerbate mite outbreaks. Use a moisture meter to maintain the ideal balance.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

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Thrips Damage

While thrips are more known for scarring, their movement and feeding can sometimes be associated with light silken traces in heavy broccoli foliage. They cause silvering or browning of the leaf tissue.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for very thin, elongated black insects crawling near the developing broccoli head.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate existing thrips and prevent further feeding damage to the broccoli foliage.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and capture adult thrips, helping to reduce the pest population in your garden.