Complete Guide: Identifying and Managing Thrips Damage on Tomato Leaves

Joe Funderburk, Xavier Martini, Scott Adkins, Josh Freeman, Sam Hutton, Hugh Smith, Gene McAvoy, Crystal Snodgrass, Mathews Paret, and Norm Leppla

Several invasive species of thrips have established in Florida and are causing serious economic losses to vegetable, ornamental, and agronomic crops. Damage to crops results from thrips feeding and egg-laying injury, by the thrips vectoring of plant diseases, the cost of using control tactics, and the loss of pesticides due to resistance. Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), which was introduced and became established in north Florida in the early 1980s, is the major thrips pest of tomatoes. The western flower thrips did not become an economic problem in central and south Florida until 2005 (Frantz and Mellinger 2009). Two other invasive species, melon thrips, Thrips palmi, and chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, are not damaging pests of tomato.

Growers in all regions of Florida initially responded to the threat of the western flower thrips by the calendar application of broad-spectrum insecticides. This has resulted in a classic “3” R situation: resistance to insecticides (including new reduced-risk insecticides), resurgence of thrips populations due to the killing of natural enemies and competitor native species of thrips, and replacement with various other pests that are induced by the application of broad-spectrum insecticides. Several scientific papers are available that review information on the situation in Florida (Funderburk 2009; Frantz and Mellinger 2009; Weiss et al. 2009).

The western flower thrips is the most efficient vector of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). This virus is one of about twenty known species of tospoviruses (Sherwood et al. 2001a, b). Epidemics of tomato spotted wilt (TSW) occur frequently in numerous crops in north Florida. Historically, it was thought that TSW occurred sporadically in central and south Florida. Most infections were confined to a few isolated plants in a field, transplants, mainly pepper, which originated from planthouses in Georgia. Secondary spread (i.e., within the field) away from the initial site of infection was rarely, if ever, seen. In the last two decades, growers and scouts have begun to report a few instances where increased incidence of secondary spread has occurred. In a few cases, TSW has appeared in fields in south Florida, in which transplants did not come from Georgia or other areas where TSW is established.

Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) and Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV) are two recently emerged tospoviruses in Florida. TCSV and GRSV were frequently detected in solanaceous crops and weeds with tospovirus-like symptoms in south Florida and occurred together with TSWV in tomato and pepper in south Florida (Webster et al. 2015). Tomato spotted wilt virus was the only tospovirus detected in tomato in other survey locations in north Florida and the rest of the continental US, with the exceptions of TCSV in tomato in Ohio, and GRSV from tomato in South Carolina and New York, all of which were first reports. Currently, TCSV is the predominant tospovirus in south Florida and has also become widespread in the Caribbean. Although predominantly solanaceous hosts are known for TCSV and GRSV, increasing numbers of non-solanaceous hosts have recently been reported for TCSV in Florida and the Caribbean. These hosts include lettuce (Lactuca sativa), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and several other common weeds, and annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus) and several other ornamental crops (Estévez and Adkins, 2014; Raid et al. 2017; Warfield et al. 2015). Because different tospoviruses induce similar symptoms in all these hosts, serological or molecular tests are needed to accurately determine which virus is present.

Like TSWV, TCSV and GRSV are transmitted by thrips. Western flower thrips and common blossom thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) are confirmed vectors of these new tospoviruses (Webster et al. 2015). The fact that the diseases caused by tospoviruses are beginning to appear more widely and with greater frequency across south Florida is cause for concern. The close relationship between these new tospoviruses indicates that integrated management strategies directed against TSWV, including the use of metalized (UV-reflective) mulch, and biologically based thrips management may also be effective for these new tospoviruses.

- Spray plants with strong water jets- Use blue or yellow sticky traps- Encourage beneficial insects like:  * Minute pirate bugs  * Predatory mites  * Ladybugs

Management Programs for Western Flower Thrips and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

Adults of the eastern flower thrips and Florida flower thrips cause little if any damage to tomato, and they beneficially out-compete the western flower thrips. No damage has been observed even when densities of 20–25 of these native species per flower were present (Funderburk 2009; Demirozer et al. 2012). The adults of all species of thrips feed on petals and other flower structures, but this injury does not result in economic damage. The adults of the invasive western flower thrips that inhabit tomato flowers cause damage by laying eggs in the small fruit (Salguero Navas et al. 1991). An average of one western flower thrips adult per flower can be tolerated without damage, but growers need to take action at this threshold.

Thrips feed by sucking the contents of the epidermal cells of the plant. When feeding occurs on fruit, it results in a damage symptom called “flecking” (Ghiudu et al. 2006), which may not become evident until the fruit ripens although the feeding occurred on immature fruits. Adults of the western flower thrips and larvae of all species cause flecking (Figure 2). At least two larvae per small, medium, or large fruit on average in a field are tolerable, but this is the action threshold (Funderburk 2009; Demirozer et al. 2012).

Because the native flower thrips occur in large numbers in the flowers of fruiting vegetables where they out-compete the damaging invasive species, it is necessary to accurately identify the species in order to make management decisions. A few flowers should periodically be placed in a small container with 70% alcohol (Figure 3, Funderburk et al. 2019). The container can be shaken to dislodge the thrips, which can then be examined by a specialist under a microscope with at least 40X magnification to determine the species of the adults. Shifts in the relative abundance of species of thrips throughout the growing season can be determined in this way. Thrips identification is quite complex, and it is best for growers to have a competent scout who can provide this service. Contact your county agent for advice and help.

Thrips densities in flowers can be determined by picking the flowers and placing them on a white board. Gently tear open the flower and the thrips will emerge onto the board where the adults and the larvae are readily distinguished from each other and counted. It is not possible to distinguish eastern flower thrips, western flower thrips, and Florida flower thrips from one another in the field. Counting the thrips from ten flowers from each of several locations in a field is usually sufficient to estimate densities of species for scouting purposes. Examine small, medium, and large fruits directly for thrips, taking care to look under each calyx. Examine and count the thrips on at least four fruits from each of several locations in the field. Special care must be taken to examine the small fruits frequently as the eggs generally are laid during the flower stage, and larvae on the small fruit is the first indication of a developing problem.

The ultraviolet-reflective mulch in the typical raised-bed plastic mulch production system of Florida repels the migrating adults of the western flower thrips and this reduces the primary and secondary spread of TSW. The use of ultraviolet-reflective mulch also reduces the influx of eastern flower thrips and Florida flower thrips (Momol et al. 2004). This cultural tactic is most effective from early to midseason before the plants grow to cover the mulch. Application of certain fungicides and other pesticides reduces the UV reflectance and hence the efficacy of the mulch. A single application of copper and mancozeb fungicide can reduce the reflectance by approximately 49%.

Acibenzolar-S-methyl (Actiguard®) is a systemic acquired resistance inducer that influences the salicylic acid pathway in the plant. This product has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection of TSWV (Momol et al. 2004). Its use has minimal impacts on populations of the flower thrips. The product is particularly effective against bacteria and it is an excellent replacement for foliar pesticides for bacterial and fungal disease control.

Populations of invasive western flower thrips that became established in Florida probably arrived resistant to most of the traditional classes of broad-spectrum insecticides. Resistance has been documented for pyrethroid, carbamate, and organophosphate classes of insecticides. Flaring of western flower thrips and the non-target pests is possible when any broad-spectrum insecticide is used. For this reason, their use in tomato is being phased out as new, safer, more selective insecticides in different chemical classes are becoming available (Table 2). Certain organophosphate and carbamate insecticides have some level of efficacy against western flower thrips, but these should be used very selectively. Their use may be warranted but only in particular instances when nontarget effects would be minimal. An example would be near the end of the production season, as re-entry and pre-harvest intervals on the label allow.

The most efficacious insecticides for western flower thrips in tomato and other crops are in the spinosyns class. No other insecticide class provides this level of control. However, some level of resistance to spinosyns has been documented in pockets in Florida (Weiss et al. 2009). The label for spinosyns has a limit on the number of applications per season. Growers should always follow the label and not exceed the label wording. Only use Insecticide Action Committee group 5 insecticides (spinosyns) a maximum of 2 sprays per crop. Avoid sequential sprays on sequential crops. Cyantraniliprole and acetamiprid have performed best after the spinosyns in the trials. Other insecticides that have shown significant suppression against the adults and larvae of western flower thrips include flonicamid, spirotetramat, and Requiem® (terpenes). Azadirachtin, potassium salts of fatty acids, and other insecticides are available commercially, and these provide some suppression of western flower thrips (Table 2).

The focus of management is not on killing the maximum number of thrips; rather it is on preventing damage. Dimpling and flecking is only damaging at high levels, and both can be reduced to tolerable levels by limited suppression of western flower thrips adults and larvae. It is important to use different insecticides from different chemical classes when multiple applications of insecticide are justified during the production season. In north Florida, three to five weekly spaced insecticide applications are sometimes justified to prevent unacceptable damage from dimpling and flecking. The weekly applications are sufficient as well to prevent secondary spread of TSW (Momol et al. 2004). In the past, these applications included spinosad and certain broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticides. The organophosphate can be replaced with the newer, safer insecticides (Dripps et al. 2010; Srivistava et al. 2013).

Thrips Biology and Ecology

A review of the scientific literature relating to the biology and ecology of western flower thrips is found in Reitz (2009). Native species of thrips are common in Florida tomato (Momol et al. 2004; Frantz and Mellinger 2009). In north Florida, the most common species is the eastern flower thrips (Frankliniella tritici) followed by the Florida flower thrips (Frankliniella bispinosa). In central and south Florida, the Florida flower thrips is the only common native species. Adults of eastern flower thrips, Florida flower thrips, and western flower thrips aggregate in flowers, while larvae of these species are found both in flowers and on fruits. Thrips are cryptic and hide under the calyx on fruits or where fruit contacts stems or leaves.

Characteristics of flower thrips include a wide feeding range of plant host species, an ability to disperse rapidly, a short generation time, and production of male offspring without mating. All the species mentioned have a high reproductive potential. However, tomato is a poor reproductive host for those species, including the western flower thrips. The adults can reach high numbers in the flowers of tomato, but the number of larvae in relation to adults is always low.

The life stages of thrips include egg, larva I, larva II, pupa I, pupa II, and adult. Developmental times at optimal temperatures of eggs, larvae, and pupae are about 6, 5, and 5 days, respectively, for every species (Reitz 2008; Tsai et al. 1996). The adults of all species feed on flower tissues and pollen. Pollen feeding greatly increases the number of eggs produced.

Development of thrips is slower at cool temperatures. The minimum temperature required is about 10°C or 50°F. About 30 to 40 days are necessary for a complete generation during the winter in north Florida (Toapanta et al. 1996, 2001). Generations develop more rapidly as temperatures increase in the spring. Populations become very abundant in the near absence of natural enemies in the early spring in north Florida (Northfield et al. 2008). Populations decline greatly in summer and fall as natural enemies become an important factor affecting their abundance. In central and south Florida, natural enemies are present year-round.

Plant species that serve as reproductive hosts vary with each individual species of thrips (Northfield et al. 2008; Paini et al. 2007). Adults also commonly feed in the flowers of plants that are not reproductive hosts. Western flower thrips are suppressed, but not completely eliminated, by interspecific competition with the native thrips. Since western flower thrips share most of the same non-crop hosts as eastern flower thrips and Florida flower thrips, interspecific competition is an important factor in keeping western flower thrips numbers generally low (Paini et al. 2008; Northfield et al. 2011).

Many predaceous arthropod groups help to suppress thrips populations. Minute pirate bugs (Family Anthocoridae) are the most important predators of thrips (Funderburk et al. 2000). Western flower thrips also suffer more severe predation by minute pirate bugs than do the native thrips (Reitz et al. 2006). Species of anthocorids occur nearly worldwide. The species Orius insidiosus occurs throughout eastern North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America. Orius pumilio also occurs with O. insidiosus in central and south Florida (Shapiro et al. 2009). Other thrips predators include the big-eyed bugs (Family Lygaeidae), damsel bugs (Family Nabidae), lacewings (Family Chrysopidae), predatory thrips (primarily in the family Aeolothripidae), and predatory mites (Family Phytoseiidae).

How to Easily Treat Aphids on Tomato Plants – Soapy Water & Peppermint Spray: Two Minute TRG Tips

FAQ

How do you get rid of thrips on tomato leaves?

• Prune: Remove infested branches and dispose of in the trash.
• Spray with water: …
• Use insecticidal soap: …
• Apply diatomaceous earth: …
• Introduce or attract natural predators: …
• Reflect light: …
• Dispose of affected plants: …
• Avoid chemical insecticides:

What does thrip damage look like on tomato plants?

High numbers of thrips can cause damage with their feeding, which distorts plant growth, deforms flowers, and causes white-to-silvery patches on emerging leaves that often have tiny black fecal specks in them.

What is the quickest way to get rid of thrips?

Greenhouse thrips is readily controlled with thorough application of contact sprays such as horticultural oil, natural pyrethrins (plus piperonyl butoxide), or insecticidal soaps to the underside of infested leaves. Repeat applications may be necessary.

Should you cut off leaves with thrips?

Your very first step is quarantine and then cut off all leaves with significant damage and throw them away (do not compost). Be sure to quarantine all plants with thrips and check all other plants thoroughly for signs of thrips.

Can thrips cause wilt in Tomatoes?

The primary damage caused by thrips to tomatoes is the vectoring of Tomato spotted wilt virus. The virus can only be acquired by the immature stage of thrips, whereas plant-to-plant transmission primarily occurs by adults. The adult thrips can transmit the virus for the remainder of their lives, which can last 30 to 45 days.

What happens if thrips eat tomatoes?

High numbers of thrips can cause damage with their feeding, which distorts plant growth, deforms flowers, and causes white-to-silvery patches on emerging leaves that often have tiny black fecal specks in them. If possible, avoid planting tomatoes next to onions, garlic, or cereals, because high thrips numbers often build up on these crops.

Do tomato plants have thrips?

Unfortunately, some growers don’t know how to treat or prevent these disastrous insects, which allows the pests to thrive and cause unwanted damage to crops like tomatoes. Here’s how to treat thrips on tomato plants:

How to control thrips in tomato plants?

You can use several insecticides to control thrips in your tomato plants. However, it’s not very easy to treat the pests using these insecticides mainly because of their mobility, feeding behavior, and the fact that the egg and pupa stages are protected.

How long do thrips live in Tomatoes?

The length of the thrips life cycle (from egg to adult) varies depending on environmental conditions but is generally 30 to 45 days, though it can be as little as 14 days. The primary damage caused by thrips to tomatoes is the vectoring of Tomato spotted wilt virus.

Do thrips eat tomatoes in Florida?

Western flower thrips and other thrips species and thrips-vectored viruses can cause damage to tomato in south and central Florida; however, the primary arthropod pest of tomato in these regions is Bemisia tabaci, also known a B. argentifolii, the silverleaf whitefly.