Spider Mites in Corn and Sorghum

General spider mite pressure 

Spider mites have been observed in area (NWP of Texas) corn and sorghum, particularly on field margins. Now would be a good time to start developing a spider mite management plan, primary strategies are threshold based curative methods or a preventative approach.  Regardless of the management strategy employed it is critical to conserve “beneficials”.
When considering a preventative miticide application remember current  products are not systemic and will only protect the leaves which are sprayed and any subsequent growth will not be protected. Applications to small corn or sorghum are also less cost effective when considering less of the miticide is intercepted by the plant versus an application made to larger crop near canopy closure. The additional application cost of a “dedicated” preventative miticide application would likely be a good trade for the added protection offered by more crop coverage.