ZonePlant

Pest on crop

Onion Thrips on scallion (bunching onion)

Thrips tabaci

Tiny slender insects that rasp leaf surfaces and suck plant juices. Most damaging on onion and garlic where they reduce bulb size and transmit Iris yellow spot virus.

Pest
Onion Thrips
Scientific name
Thrips tabaci
Crop
Scallion (Bunching Onion)
Total hosts
6

Onion Thrips on scallion (bunching onion)

Detailed guidance for this section is being prepared. Check back soon.

Signs on scallion (bunching onion)

  • Silvery-white streaks on leaves
  • Tiny dark fecal spots on leaf surfaces
  • Distorted twisted leaves in severe infestations
  • Stunted bulb development

IPM controls

  • Overhead irrigation reduces populations (thrips dislike wet conditions)
  • Spinosad spray during peak feeding
  • Encourage minute pirate bugs and predatory mites
  • Reflective mulch for repelling adults
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen which makes plants more attractive

Other crops affected by onion thrips

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