In recent years, Echinothrips have been increasingly common in pepper crops, especially from mid-June to late August. The problem with this type of thrip is the speed at which the plague spreads.
In most cases yellowing and leaf drop is observed, which is then recognized as Echinothrips. Fortunately this pest causes no direct fruit damage in most instances. Echinothrips are commonly detected relatively late, because growers working on the pipe rail trolley have less insight into what goes on underneath the crops.
Unfortunately we have to no real natural enemies available that can be used to identify this pest. Also, the preventive use of various enemies is limited. That means that scouting for pests is essential. More research on natural enemies is also definitely needed.
Source: Koppert Biological Systems
Voor meer informatie: www.koppert.nl.
