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About Scirtothrips dorsalis

Scirtothrips dorsalis, commonly known as the chilli thrips, is an emerging pest of significant concern in greenhouse cultivation. Known for its ability to damage a wide variety of crops, including ornamentals, vegetables, and fruits, this species poses challenges due to its rapid reproduction and widespread adaptability.

Life cycle and damage of Scirthothrips

Pepper damage caused by Chili thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis
Pepper damage caused by Chili thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis

The life cycle of Scirtothrips dorsalis consists of six stages: egg, two larval instars, pre-pupa, pupa, and adult. Eggs are inserted into plant tissue, making them difficult to detect. Females can lay up to 100 eggs in the youngest plant tissues. Eggs are oval, whitish to yellow and kidney shaped. Nymphs are tiny, slender, fragile and yellowish straw in colour. Adults has heavily fringed wings and grey in colour. Life cycle is short and completed in 15 to 20 days as many as 25 overlapping generations per year. Reproduction is both by sexual and partheno-generic.

Larvae and adults feed on the underside of leaves, creating silvering, curling, and deformities in leaves and fruits. This feeding behavior also weakens plants by reducing photosynthetic capacity and may lead to secondary infections.

Biological control of Scirtothrips dorsalis

Limonica (Amblydromalus limonicus)

Limonica is a highly effective predatory mite for controlling Scirtothrips dorsalis (Chilli thrips). This generalist predatory mite feeds on both first and second instar thrips larvae, ensuring comprehensive control.

  • Optimal conditions: Limonica thrives at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. It is highly mobile, actively searching for prey on the underside of leaves, where thrips larvae are typically found.
  • Feeding behavior: Amblydromalus limonicus pierces prey with its mouthparts and consumes the contents. Under optimal conditions, an adult female can consume up to seven first instar thrips larvae daily and lay three eggs per day.
  • Additional benefits: Limonica also survives on pollen and other small prey, allowing it to establish populations before the pest appears.

Anso-Mite and Anso-Mite Plus (Amblyseius andersoni)

Anso-Mite and Anso-Mite Plus are products that contain generalist predatory mites that target thrips and other pests like whiteflies. The predatory mite species Amblyseius andersoni can be used for the control of Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis).

  • Optimal conditions: Thrives in a wide temperature range of 20°C to 28°C. Amblyseius andersoni is sensitive to relative humidity below 65%.
  • Feeding behavior: Specializes in controlling first instar thrips larvae but also feeds on whitefly eggs and other small pests.
  • Additional Benefits: Establishes easily in pollen-producing crops, allowing proactive population buildup.

Thripor-L (Orius laevigatus)

Thripor-L is a predatory bug (Orius laevigatus) capable of controlling thrips at all life stages, including adults.

  • Optimal conditions: Functions effectively in temperatures above 20°C, making it suitable for various crops.
  • Feeding behavior: Targets all thrips life stages, consuming up to 20 thrips daily, including adults.
  • Additional benefits: Can feed on pollen, supporting survival and establishment in the absence of prey.