Chilli
thrips
is the latest exotic insect to cause major havoc to ornamentals since the pink
hibiscus mealybug (PHM). They are half the size of the Western Flower Thrips,
with the same narrow body, but the adults have a dark stripe down the back.
The immatures look like very small golden colored thrips (about two times the
length of a two spotted spider mite). They get in rose buds, but are not
usually found in the open flowers where you find Western Flower Thrips. Most
of Chilli Thrips damage is on the undersides of young leaves that become
misshapen with purplish discoloring where the thrips have rasped. Infestations
were first noticed on Knockout® roses but now are commonly found on ligustrum,
pittosporum, Indian hawthorn, and even marigolds. Keep an eye out for the
damage. If you find you have them, they are not that difficult to control.
Spinosad (Conserve) is very effective. Neonicotinoids (Merit) will knock them
down, and sprays are better than drenches, but you have to get good coverage.
Synthetic pyrethroids are not as effective and not good on the biological
controls that work very well. Check out Dr. Lance Osborne’s web site at
http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso for
excellent photographs and even videos of the pest and current control
recommendations. |
