Control thrips in Cyclamen
Thrips are small, thin and long shaped (almost like tiny stripes). They are often hard to see with the naked eye. Despite their size significant damage can be caused to flowering pot plants like Cyclamen persicum. They feed on plants by sucking plant sap from leaves.
Would you like to avoid damage caused by thrips on plants? Recognize, prevent and control thrips damage with our helpful tips.
How to recognize thrips?
Thrips are small in size, usually only 1–2 millimeters long, with long, narrow wings. They can vary in colour depending on the life cycle stage and species. Adult thrips are typically brown or black, but can also be yellow or grayish brown. The larvae are often lighter in colour (such as yellow, white or orange).
Common species affecting flowering pot plants like Cyclamen persicum include:
- Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
- Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci)
- Echinothrips
- Thrips setosus
Where can you find thrips on plants?
You can mainly find them in the flower buds and growth points. Also look at the undersides of the Cyclamen persicum leaves. These insects prefer areas with higher humidity and shelter from direct sunlight.
- Growth points: Thrips often hide in the growth points where they are hard to detect.
- Underside of leaves: Larvae often live on the underside of the leaves and feed by sucking plant sap.
- Sheltered spots: They seek out protected places under leaves and in small crevices where they are less visible.
Symptoms of damage on Cyclamen
Thrips infestation causes silvery spots on the leaves, black dots (feces) and malformation in both Cyclamen leaves and flowers. Severe infestations can lead to leaf desiccation and growth disorders.
- Silvery spots: The insects suck sap from plant cells, causing silver-like patches on the Cyclamen leaves.
- Black dots: These are feces and a clear sign of infestation.
- Growth inhibition: Severe infestation can hinder the plant’s growth and affect blooming.
- Flower damage: Damage to flowers might show deformation or discolouration.
- Deformed leaves: Damaged leaves may appear twisted or curled, especially at young, developing leaves.
Please note: Thrips can also transmit viruses, posing a serious threat to your flowering pot plants.
Thrips life cycle on Cyclamen plants
The life cycle of all species of thrips consists of six stages: egg, two larval stages, prepupa, pupa, and adult.
The duration of the life cycle varies greatly between summer and winter. Under cold conditions (below 7°C), the life cycle can take over 50 days. During summer, at temperatures of 28°C, the development from egg to adult can take only 10 to 12 days.
Why thrips are more problematic during summer
Development and reproduction accelerate at high temperatures:
- Faster development: At 28°C, the life cycle takes only about 10 days.
- Multiple generations: Several generations can develop within one season.
- Increased activity: Adults are more active and lay more eggs.
In contrast, under winter conditions when temperatures are low:
- Slower development: At lower temperatures, the life cycle can take more than 50 days.
- Fewer generations: Population growth slows significantly.
- Reduced reproduction: Adults lay fewer eggs, especially in lower temperatures. For example, egg production is even lower at –3°C compared to 7°C.
Prevention is key
Healthy plants are essential and therefore prevention is key. The insects develop rapidly and are hard to control if not detected in time. Several cultivation techniques exist to prevent or reduce them:
- Regular monitoring: Frequently check crops for early signs of infestation.
- Sticky traps: Yellow sticky traps are an effective way to attract and catch adults.
- Optimal growing conditions: Ensure good air circulation, reduce humidity, and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilisation.
- Use of natural enemies
- Immediately remove infested plants and clean the greenhouse regularly
Thrips control in Cyclamen persicum
Chemical control is an option, but biological control is recommended due to safety reasons and effectiveness. A combination of both methods is usually the most effective way to control thrips. Use the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach: combining biological and chemical control methods for effective control in Cyclamen persicum.
Biological control
Use of natural enemies:
- Predatory mites (above ground):
- Neoseiulus cucumeris (Thripex)
- Amblyseius swirskii (Swirski-mite)
- Amblydromalus limonicus (Limonica)
- Amblyseius andersoni (Anso-Mite)
- Transeius montdorensis (Montdo-mite)
- Soil-dwelling predatory mites:
- Macrocheles robustulus (Macro-mite)
- Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspis miles)
- Bugs, such as Orius laevigatus, are effective especially against larvae and young stages.
- Nematodes: Steinernema feltiae nematodes can be applied to the soil to target thrips larvae there.
- Ladybugs: Can also be introduced to eat thrips
Chemical control
Various insecticide-based chemical products on the market can quickly and effectively kill thrips. However, they may also harm the environment, beneficial insects and human health.
Not all chemicals are compatible with natural enemies. Always check compatibility before use in integrated cultivation.
Chemical control is often less effective against thrips in the soil or deep inside flowers. Additionally, adults can quickly lay new eggs after treatment. They can also develop resistance to pesticides, so rotating products are essential.