Thrips

Thrips are small, slender insects that feed mainly on flowers and young leaves. They damage plant cells, causing silvery discoloration, small scars, and deformities, and some species transmit the tomato brown spot virus (TSWV). Due to their small size, they are easy to overlook. Regular visual inspections of flowers and the undersides of leaves, as well as sticky traps, are helpful; once detected, rapid, integrated population control is necessary. It is advisable to inspect new plants before introducing them into the crop, and upon detecting the pest, isolate infested specimens, remove host weeds, and select a control method in accordance with the product’s current label.