Photo by Tacy Callies
Chilli thrips’ damage in Florida citrus under protective screen (CUPS) should motivate growers to manage weeds more effectively.
Lauren Diepenbrock, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor and entomologist, shared that advice during this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Fort Myers, Florida.
Diepenbrock said chilli thrips feed on citrus trees but they also like certain weeds, like ragweed. She noted that chilli thrips infestation patterns likely come from weeds or neighboring vegetation in the spring. The thrips establish in CUPS during the season. All life stages of the pest have been found on weeds in the edges and between tree rows of the CUPS system.
Diepenbrock emphasized during her Expo talk that weed management should be part of the plan — both inside and outside of CUPS. Locations that have implemented weed management have reduced fruit damage, she said.
“Weed management helps reduce the pest pressure,” said Diepenbrock.
Chilli thrips are an insect pest known to impact other fruits like strawberries and blueberries. Diepenbrock said their impact has been observed on citrus in CUPS as well as nurseries.
Chilli thrips damage on citrus fruit was first believed to be broad mite damage, as it looks similar. But upon further investigation, researchers confirmed it was chilli thrips.
CUPS were designed to protect citrus from the Asian citrus psyllid, the vector of citrus greening disease. But growers must remember that other insects can find their way inside the CUPS production system.
“It was the same thing when IPCs (individual protective covers) first came out,” Diepenbrock said. “I remember driving around with a grower and I saw all these amazing IPCs. I asked, ‘What’s your pest management strategy?’ The answer was, ‘That is my pest management strategy.’ I replied, ‘That’s great for the psyllids. But any time you have an enclosed habitat like that, the small stuff gets in. It’s very happy getting in, and it proliferates.’
“This is the same thing we’re seeing in CUPS. It’s not unexpected.”
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