Blue Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus glaucescens)

Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.

Thrips are tiny cigar-shaped insects (1/25-inch long) that damage plants by sucking plant juices and scraping at fruits, flowers, and leaves. With over 6,000 species and rapid reproduction (lifecycle as short as 14 days), they can quickly infest plants and transmit viruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.

Sunscald is physical damage that occurs when intense sunlight and heat strike plant tissues that are not acclimated to such exposure. It typically follows heatwaves, heavy pruning, transplanting, the removal of shade, or intense winter sun followed by freezing nights. On fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, apples, and pumpkins, it manifests as pale, bleached, or whitish patches that later become tan or brown, sunken, and occasionally leathery or blistered. Leaves may appear scorched at the margins, but the primary diagnostic sign is light-bleached, papery, or corky areas on the side facing the sun. On young trees (such as maple, birch, and various fruit trees), the bark on the south or southwest side may darken, crack, or scale following sunny winter days and cold nights.