Re: HYB and thrip damage
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: HYB and thrip damage
- From: B* S* <B*@hsc.edu>
- Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 08:34:10 -0600 (MDT)
Thrips (the word, unfortunately, is both singular and plural) are small
insects belonging to the Order Thysanoptera. They are tiny, almost
invisible, elongated insects colored white, red or black and with
cone-shaped heads. A number of species are wingless, but when wings are
present they are rod-like, with a fringe of long hairs.
A thrips feeds by rasping open plant cells and sucking up the contents, or
by eating pollen. When young, growing plants are damaged, the new growth
will be distorted. Heavy infestations of thrips can seriously weaken or
damage plants. There are several species that attack irises; Japanese
Irises seem to be the most harmed. One species attacks the leaves, causing
distortion and red streaking, while another attacks the flowers. The
flowers are rarely damaged but are often seen to be swarming with tiny
white insects--very unsightly.
Thrips can be controlled with a thorough spraying of insecticidal soap,
repeated at about 4-day intervals. Be sure to soak the plants so that the
soapy water gets into the spaces between the leaves of the fan.
Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@hsc.edu>
