Trap Plants as a Tool Against Thrips parvispinus in Tropicals

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia) as a trap plant for T. parvispinus.

Thrips parvispinus has become a serious pest of tropical ornamental crops in North American since 2020. Due to the severity of the damage, IPM strategies are needed to complement chemical control until an effective and economical biocontrol program can be developed for this pest.

Mass trapping through traps, lures, or trap plants can be an effective strategy for thrips. We’ve already seen that mass trapping cards REALLY help with this pest (more on that, later). And, it seems that trap plants may also be an effective strategy when used properly in vegetative crops.

Read on for what we did and how to implement it on YOUR farm.

Continue reading “Trap Plants as a Tool Against Thrips parvispinus in Tropicals”