What are Thrips & how do they affect?

Thrips are tiny, slender insects with fringe-like wings that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. They can be various colors, including brown, yellow, black, or gray. Both adult and young thrips feed by puncturing plant cells and sucking out the contents from the surface of leaves, flowers, and fruits with their rasping mouthparts. This feeding damage leaves behind white or brown spots on the leaves, along with thrips' fecal matter.

Thrips are tiny insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. However, there are a few places where you are more likely to spot them on a plant:

The undersides of leaves: This is the common place to find thrips. They like to hide out in sheltered areas where they are less likely to be disturbed.

Inside flowers and buds: Thrips are attracted to pollen and nectar, so they may be found inside flowers and buds.

On new growth: Thrips prefer to feed on tender tissues, so they may be found on new leaves, stems, or fruits.

Major vegetable crops affected by thrips are Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Beans, Lettuce, Onions.

Major fruit crops affected by thrips are Strawberries, Grapes, and Citrus.

Thrips are the major pests for all the types of flowering plants.

Symptoms:

Discolored leaves: The first sign of thrips infestation is discolored leaves. The leaves may develop silvery or bronze patches, or they may become small spots with yellow or brown spots. This discoloration is caused by thrips sucking the sap out of the leaves.

Deformed leaves: Thrips feeding can cause leaves to become deformed (Shape-less). The leaves may curl up or become twisted.

Flower bud damage: Thrips can also damage flower buds. Affected buds may fail to open, or they may be deformed or discolored.

Sticky residue: Thrips produce a sticky substance called honeydew. This honeydew can attract other pests, such as ants, and it can also promote the growth of mold.

Biological and organic Control measures of Thrips Pests:

Chemical control measures of Sucking pests: