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Thrips in Vegetables

Most thrips species eat juices from plants, flowers and vegetables with high water content. Thrips are considered major pests on fruit and vegetable farms. Onion thrips and western thrips are the two most aggressive destroyers of onion crops, although they also feed on cereals. Gladiolus thrips, on the other hand, are attracted to large supplies of corn and typically infest storage areas.

The season during which an infestation occurs can dictate the severity of crop loss: if infestation occurs within an onion crop late in the season, loss will be less significant than in an attack which occurs during bulb-stage or midseason. Damage from thrips renders crops unmarketable, and some farmers choose not to grow plants that attract thrips. In turn, the cost of these fruits, grains and vegetables increases for consumers.

Depending on the species, different treatments may be effective. If thrips are invading your home, inspect the plants in the vicinity for infestation. Plants that have already been infested by thrips are most effectively treated through the use of pesticide. Contact your local pest control professional to discuss possible treatments.

Banana Thrips

Characteristics of Six Spotted Thrips

Red-banded Thrips

Thrips Pupa

Thrips and Crassulaceae