Citrus Thrips in the Low Desert

DESCRIPTION:

Slender yellowish insects about 1/16 inch long. The wings of adults have a fringe of hairs when viewed under a hand lens. Shake citrus blossoms over a piece of white paper and look for tiny yellow insects that resemble wood splinters.

DAMAGE:

Starting in February thrips feed on the new flush of citrus leaves, green stems and small fruit, causing leaves to curl and some external scarring of fruit. Generally the damage has been done by the time the thrips are noticed.

MANAGEMENT:

Damage is largely cosmetic and does not effect the internal quality of the fruit so no control is necessary. Furthermore improperly timed insecticide treatments can drastically reduce fruit yield.