FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.org
Created in
Kenya
,
December
2012
Thrips on Mango
Recognize the problem
The adult thrip is an insect which is dark brown to black and just over
1
mm
long. The nymphs (young thrips) are cream yellow with two bright red bands
around their body.
The nymphs and the adult feed by rubbing and sucking the sap from the
surface, dropping faeces onto the surface and leaving a dark rusty stain. They
also feed on young fruits leaving permanent, rough, greyish, scars which
makes the fruits unmarketable on maturity.
Background
Thrips can survive on many different plants. They can also be eaten or killed by
predatory mites and some bugs. The adults can be carried long distances by
wind.
Management
Non-chemical control
•
Conserve natural enemies. Predatory thrips and mites, flower bugs, and
other natural enemies are important in control of thrips.
Chemical control
•
If spraying is practical in your orchard, insecticides that can be used
include Abamectin, Azadirachtin, Deltamethrin, Lambda-cyhalothrin and
Lufenuron.
Scientific name(s)
>
Selenothrips rubrocinctus; Scirtothrips aurantii
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to
:
many countries where this pest or problem is present
Authors
:
This factsheet is based on information written for "The Mango Farming
Handbook", first published by KENGAP Horticulture 2011.
Kengap Horticulture Ltd, P.O Box 12898-00400 Nairobi, Kenya
tel:
+254 722 575544; +254 723 491549
email:
books@kengap.co.ke;
www.kengap.co.ke
Edited by
Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
078En
Lose Less, Feed More
Damage to mango.
(Photo by Scot
Nelson, University of Hawaii at
Manoa, Bugwood.org)
Adults and larvae.
(Photo by Lyle
Buss, University of Florida,
Bugwood.org)
When using a pesticide, always wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the product label, such
as dosage, timing of application, and pre-harvest interval.
