By Clint Thompson
Blueberry growers managing the threat of chilli thrips are protecting next year’s crop. That’s because the insect’s impact is usually seen after harvests have concluded.
That’s part of the message that Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist, conveyed to producers about the threat of chilli thrips during a presentation at the 2026 Annual Blueberry Update in Alma, Georgia, on Jan. 7.
“Chilli thrips cause most of their damage during post-harvest time. As soon as we stop harvests, most of the growers, the first thing that they do is they hedge the plants. When you hedge the bushes, during that time there’s a new flush of growth,” Sial said. “That fresh, green tissue that comes out of the bushes, that is really tasty and juicy. That’s what these chilli thrips target.
“Our next year’s harvest is actually the buds that are going to set and establish internally at that post-harvest time.”
Chilli thrips are an invasive species from Asia that appear later in the season. They are distinguished from flower thrips by their smaller size, incomplete dark stripes on the abdomen and dark wings. They are also different in how they impact blueberries.
Blueberry producers have multiple insecticide options at their disposal, though Sial emphasized that Apta and Assail are most effective. Other options include Agri-Mek, Exirel and Rimon. Mixing Rimon at a lower rate, 10 ounces per acre, may extend the residual activity.