Insect Pest - True Bugs, Thrips and Mites | University of Maryland Extension

Of the many species of thrips commonly found in greenhouses, flower thrips (Frankliniella tritici), western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) are most problematic. Chilli thrips is the fastest spreading thrips and is found throughout North America, but mainly in Florida and Texas. Adults of these three species are about 1 - 2 mm long, slender and just visible to the naked eye. Adult thrips are hard to notice flying in the greenhouse, but both nymphs and adults can often be detected in the open blossoms of your greenhouse crops.

Updated: October 23, 2024

Cyclamen Mites Found in Strawberries

This has been a ‘mitey’ spring so far with two spotted spider mites, broad mites and now cyclamen mites (by Bob Rouse) being found. Usually cyclamen mites (Phytonemus pallidus) cause much of their damage to bedding plants, but they can cause significant problems in strawberries too. Adult cyclamen mites are usually never seen as they are only a quarter of a mm long and a 20X hand lens or dissecting microscope is needed to see them. And unlike two spotted spider mites that prefer dry conditions, cyclamen mites thrive in humid conditions and is why they are primarily a greenhouse pest.

Adult female cyclamen mite, eggs and larva

Updated: October 23, 2024

Watch for Thrips in Vegetables

I have gotten reports from flower growers of an inundation of thrips into their flower crop in the last week or so. I know, I know flowers are not vegetables, but many of the Flower thrips species that get into flowers will get into and on vegetables. Thrips are tiny, thin yellowish-orange insects the size of metal filings with fringed wings.