Pests and Diseases - Symptom Selector

Thrips

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Thrips

Symptoms

Pale flecks appear on petals. In bad cases, flowers may fail to open. Yellowish-brown insects can sometimes be seen on the leaves and flowers.

Cause

Tiny 2mm long insects suck the sap out of the plant. Mostly troublesome in hot, dry summers. They live at the base of leaves and in the flower buds.

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The flowers look unsightly and may not open. The plant is weakened.

Treatment

Chemical - Spraying with a contact insecticide may be effective, although it is difficult to reach the thrips hiding in the buds.
Organic - Dispose of or burn all infested seed heads and foliage at the end of the season.

Plants most commonly affected

Mainly greenhouse and house plants. Also susceptible are outdoor chrysanthemums, verbenas, pelagonium, gladioli and fucshia.

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