Broccoli, Cole crops: Thrips
Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Biology
Thrips are tiny (≤1⁄20″), elongate, yellowish to dark insects.
Thrips feeding can result in whitish stippling or streaking of leaves. Buds may be damaged, resulting in misshapen plant parts. Thrips are an occasional problem in cabbage.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Predaceous thrips, green lacewing larvae, and minute pirate bugs are important predators of plant-feeding thrips.
- Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill these and other beneficial insects.
- Control weeds, which can be important alternate hosts for plant-feeding thrips.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Always read and follow label directions when working with pesticides.
- For more information on using pesticides visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets | Pesticide Resources and Education Program | WSU.
- Also visit Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks.
- Apply products according to label instructions when thrips or early damage is first observed.
Approved Pesticides
Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.
Additional Image
Photo by: Unknown
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Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.