Thrips (T.) parvispinus remains a concerning pest for Florida’s pepper farmers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline.
T. parvispinus population levels are currently low in pepper fields along the east coast. However, at a few locations, infestation levels are moderate to high, especially at field edges located by ornamental nursery operations. Crop scouts report heavy foliar feeding damage and 3 to 4 female adults per flower in these areas.
Based on recent observation on bell peppers, if thrips are not controlled early, populations can build up quickly inside the dense bell pepper canopy.
T. parvispinus is a concern for pepper growers in Homestead, Florida. Dakshina Seal, entomologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Tropical Research and Education Center, has noted low population levels in other vegetables like bean, squash, cucumber, eggplant and edamame.
T. parvispinus was also detected in low numbers on pepper in Southwest Florida.
Producers that suspect T. parvispinus in their crops should contact Anna Meszaros at ameszaros@ufl.edu or Craig Frey at craigfrey@ufl.edu for sampling and confirmation.