tags: - public-ready - export-bio - index
Thrips — UK Commercial Species Index
Overview
Thrips are among the most economically important pests in protected horticulture and ornamental production.
Different thrips species vary in:
- crop preference
- flower vs leaf feeding behaviour
- virus transmission importance
- temperature response
- biological control compatibility
- protected crop persistence
- seasonal behaviour
Correct interpretation improves both IPM strategy and biological control success.
Key thrips species and groups
Western flower thrips
The most commercially important protected-crop thrips species in many horticultural systems.
Onion thrips
Important in onions, leeks and several outdoor vegetable systems.
Flower vs leaf thrips
Important behavioural distinction influencing predator suitability and monitoring strategy.
Thrips parvispinus
Emerging invasive protected-crop thrips species associated with severe flower and foliage damage.
Rose thrips
Flower-associated thrips important in ornamentals and cut flower systems.
Echinothrips
Foliage-feeding ornamental thrips associated with silvering and bronzing symptoms.
Cereal thrips
Outdoor thrips group associated with cereals, grasses and dry weather migration ecology.
IPM relevance
Thrips programmes should consider:
- flower presence
- crop stage
- temperature
- pollen availability
- predator establishment
- virus risk
- migration pressure
- canopy structure
- humidity stability
Thrips populations often accelerate rapidly during warm stable weather.
Biological control relevance
Common thrips biological control agents include:
Environmental drivers
Thrips pressure is commonly associated with:
- warm dry weather
- flowering crops
- stable protected environments
- pollen availability
- crop stress
- low humidity
- continuous cropping
See: - Temperature - Plant stress - Ventilation and air movement