Thrips

Thrips (Thysanoptera)

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed by puncturing plant cells and sucking the contents, leaving behind silvery, stippled streaking and scarring on leaves, flowers, and fruit of a wide range of ornamental and agricultural plants. Certain thrips species are also significant vectors of plant viruses including tomato spotted wilt virus, which can cause devastating crop losses. Their small size and cryptic behavior inside flowers and terminal buds make early detection and treatment challenging. Systemic insecticides, predatory mites, and blue sticky traps used in an integrated program provide the most effective management.