Chilli thrips could become major ornamental pest

Texas ornamental plant growers are being advised that chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) have taken up residence in the state and growers should be taking precautions to control the pest. “They’re in the landscape. Ornamental and agricultural producers need to be concerned too,” said Texas AgriLife entomologist Scott Ludwig. He is advising growers to send in samples if they are seeing unfamiliar damage to plants. Roses have been the most common plants infested with chilli thrips, even types that were previously thought to be tolerant of pests. What makes this thrips so potentially devastating is that it not only attacks flower parts, but also actively growing parts including leaves, buds and stems. Ludwig said growers need to be vigilant in their monitoring of plants. “The problem is thrips are not being identified early in the infestation,” he said. Since growers and landscape contractors are unfamiliar with damage symptoms, by the time the problem is identified, their plants may be damaged to the point of not being marketable.