Join our LAST Thrips Identification Workshop on March 4th in SIMCOE!

As control measures differ depending on the thrips species you’re dealing with, the very FIRST step in learning how to manage thrips effectively is proper species identification.

If you’re interested in having someone in your greenhouse operation learn how to do this (so you don’t have to rely on technical reps or government specialists), then keep reading!

This will be our LAST in-person workshop, so make sure to take advantage of this free learning opportunity!

Read on for more details and how to register.

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GrowON Webinar, September 24th: Thrips parvispinus Control – Where We’re At and Where We’re Headed.

To make sure growers have the latest information on new thrips pests affecting greenhouse crops, GrowON is running a 3 part webinar series on thrips besides western flower thrips. The second installment will be on Thrips parvispinus (also known as pepper thrips) on Wednesday, September 24th with Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA).

To attend, please use the registration link in the post below.

Parvi poster Sept 2025_final Download

Description:

When it comes to Thrips parvispinus control, many growers are asking, are we there yet? Join us to learn where we are in terms of biocontrol and chemical control for this invasive pest. This presentation will summarize research being conducted in Ontario, Florida and Europe, and put it into context in terms of strategies growers can implement now. Future research directions will also be discussed.

Note, this presentation was given live at Greenhouse Canada’s Grower Day in June 2025. This webinar is hoping to reach those that weren’t able to attend in person!

Time: Wednesday, September 24th, 12-1pm

Registration:

Please register for Part 2 of this Webinar series by using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_30N3jt1KRbOyva0s7oh5Dg

NEW DATE: GrowON Webinar on Japanese Flower Thrips now Wednesday August 27th

To make sure growers have the latest information on new thrips pests affecting greenhouse crops, GrowON is running a 3 part webinar series on thrips besides western flower thrips. The first installment will be on Japanese flower thrips on August 27th, with Judy Colley (Plant Products) and Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA).

To attend, please use the registration link in the post below. If you’ve already registered, you’re still good for the new date of the 27th!

Setosus webinar poster July 2025 Download

Description:

Another new thrips on the block? Thrips setosus, also known as the Japanese flower thrips, affects hydrangeas, cyclamen, herbs and more. Judy Colley, technical lead for Plant Products, will share information on greenhouse trials for controlling this pest. She will be joined by Dr. Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA) who will cover biology, hosts plants, damage and current research. She will also go over pesticide options.

Time: Wednesday, August 27th, 12-1pm

Registration:

Please register for Part 1 of this Webinar series by using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_30N3jt1KRbOyva0s7oh5Dg

GrowON’s “More than Just Westerns” Thrips Webinar Series, Part 1: Japanese Flower Thrips

Over the past few years, we seem to be battling a whole new posse of thrips species. First it was onion thrips moseying on up into our chrysanthemums and gerbera. Then, it was Parvispinus, which was like a runaway train in our tropicals. Now, it’s Japanese flower thrips (Thrips setosus), riding into town on crops like hydrangea.

To make sure growers have the latest information on these pests, GrowON is running a 3 part webinar series on thrips besides western flower thrips. The first installment will be on Japanese flower thrips on August 20th. Read on for how to register for this free webinar.

*A lineup of thrips species that attack greenhouse ornamentals. Can you pick out the usual suspects from the new kids in town? Photo by A. Summerfield, Vineland.*

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How-To Video of the Week: Mass Trapping for Thrips and Other Pests

Thrips often get out of control in summer, when fall crop production is ramping up. But why is this?

Although some thrips enter your greenhouse via plant material (think tropical thrips like Parvispinus), common thrips like western flower thrips and onion thrips mostly enter your greenhouse through vents and doors.

Continue reading to learn when your thrips are likely to spike in your greenhouse, as well as how to effectively use mass trapping to combat thrips and other pests.

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Thrips Identification Workshop for Growers: Coming to an Ontario Town Near YOU!

It’s no secret that recent outbreaks of thrips species other than western flower thrips (WFT) have made producing greenhouse crops in Ontario harder than usual. This includes species such as onion thrips, Thrips parvispinus, and chrysanthemum thrips.

As control measures are different depending on the thrips species you’re dealing with, the very FIRST step in learning how to manage these pests is proper species identification. If you’re interested in having someone in your greenhouse operation learn how to do this (so you don’t have to rely on government specialists), then keep reading!

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Thrips: Going Dark for Winter

It turns out thrips and I have something very important in common – we both like to change up our look depending on the season!

Although you (probably) have no trouble recognizing me with a change of hair colour, different colour morphs within certain thrips species can throw growers for a loop when it comes to identification.

Read on for which thrips like to shake it up seasonally, so you don’t get fooled.

This post was written by Dr. S. Jandricic (OMAFRA) and A. Summerfield (Vineland).

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Where Do Most of Your Thrips Come From? The Answer May Surprise You.

(This post was co-written by S. Jandricic and A. Summerfield.)

Sometimes your thrips biocontrol program is working great. Other times, it seems to get completely overwhelmed. Thrips often get out of control in Summer, when fall crop production is ramping up. But why is this?

Several factors can contribute to rising thrips numbers, but the major reason involves HOW and WHEN thrips like to invade your greenhouse. Read on to learn about this, and what you can do to stay on top of thrips this summer!

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