Thrips

Identification: Small, slender insects scraping plant surfaces.

Symptoms: Silvery patches or streaks on leaves, black fecal spots.

Control:

• Spinosad: Organic insecticide to kill thrips while safe for beneficial insects.

• Sticky Traps: Set up blue or yellow sticky traps to catch adults.

• Predatory Insects: Release minute pirate bugs (Orius insidiosus), which feed on thrips.

• Companion Plants: Grow basil or cilantro nearby to repel thrips.

• Mycoinsecticides: Apply Beauveria bassiana for effective thrip control.