Thrips Populations Vary Across Florida

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Figure 4. Adult chilli thrips have fringed wings. Photo by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida

According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, thrips populations vary across the state.

Chilli thrips are present in pepper crops in central Florida, mostly in low to moderate numbers. But they are higher in other locations.

Florida flower thrips, western flower thrips and melon thrips have been observed in low numbers. Asian bean thrips have been reported on beans at low populations as well.

Producers and scouts are seeing occasional thrips in snap bean blooms across the Everglades Agricultural Area. Thrips population spikes have been observed in tomato in Homestead, Florida, though tomato spotted wilt virus remains low.

Florida flower thrips have been reported at 1 to 3 per bloom in pepper along the east coast. But sprays have reduced populations recently. Slight fruit damage has been observed.

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