Onion and Western Flower Thrips

Thrips tabaci and Frankliniella occidentalis

image of Onion and Western Flower Thrips
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Symptoms:
Thrips are small, elongate clear-bodied insects most often found scurring about in opened flowers. Direct plant damage from thrips is minimal (except on onions), but they are known to readily transmit viruses. Thrips are ubiquitous pests of ornamental and weed species where they are never controlled. They also may be found on small grains that are frequently used as wind breaks.

Control:
Consult the Vegetable IPM Web Site for recommended controls of this pest.

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Publication Revised July 2009