Mites and Thrips

August IPM insect scouting tips on soybean, field corn, and sorghum.

IPM Threshold Guide for Vegetable Crops

New Grower Training - Vegetable IPM

Over the years high tunnel (HT) production of vegetables have enabled growers to extend their vegetable production time by 3-5 months. Producing earlier and later season vegetables compared with field production. Though at times it seems HT vegetables have fewer insect problems this is not true and certain pests need to be watched for and anticipated.

I have gotten reports from flower growers of an inundation of thrips into their flower crop in the last week or so. I know, I know flowers are not vegetables, but many of the Flower thrips species that get into flowers will get into and on vegetables. Thrips are tiny, thin yellowish-orange insects the size of metal filings with fringed wings.

This has been a ‘mitey’ spring so far with two spotted spider mites, broad mites and now cyclamen mites (by Bob Rouse) being found. Usually cyclamen mites (Phytonemus pallidus) cause much of their damage to bedding plants, but they can cause significant problems in strawberries too. Adult cyclamen mites are usually never seen as they are only a quarter of a mm long and a 20X hand lens or dissecting microscope is needed to see them. And unlike two spotted spider mites that prefer dry conditions, cyclamen mites thrive in humid conditions and is why they are primarily a greenhouse pest.