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Article by Dr. Eileen Buss, University of Florida IFAS Extension |
Article by Dr. Laurie Trenholm, University of Florida IFAS Extension |
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/thripslinks.htm for
excellent photographs and even videos of the pest and current control
recommendations. |
Loropetalum,
especially the Ruby variety, are experiencing severe decline problems in
the Central Florida area. A team of University of Florida researchers
came down at the end of June, 2006 to investigate the problems and
collect samples and data. An experiment was devised using several of the
recommended treatments including insecticides for the eriophoid mites
and copper and other micronutrients for the nutritional deficiencies.
Preliminary results indicate that an application of copper (Kocide or
similar fungicide at a high rate) has provided positive results but the
research conclusions have not been published as of now and unanswered
questions remain including the availability of a copper fungicide
labeled for landscape use and how long the effects of an application
last in the landscape.More information in the publication Strategies to Control Loropetalum Decline in Central Florida
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