HYB and thrip damage

Jan Clark wrote:   I wonder is it possible that the thrip
damage the flower, making self-pollenation possible.

Hi Jan

I know for sure that an infestation of thrip can not only distort flowers
but they seem to suck all the goodness out of unopened buds leaving an
slimy empty socket in the worst cases. I do believe that they are
responsible for all the feral pods I get each year. Really dark blooms will
open all flecked from  being chewed or sucked and the pollen all crusty and
dry. Damage is harder to see on pastel colours.
There are good references to thrip in the book "What garden  pest or
disease is that" by Judy McMaugh.Landsdowne Press. I have nearly eliminated
them by simply not growing so many florist strain glads. The specie glads
are not so affected. But then there is a nice warm breezy day and they're
back.

Dianne in Red Cliffs. Enough rain here to turn the dust on the roof to mud
in the guttering. Don't think a drop made it into the rainwater tank.
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