Thrips can destroy an entire capsicum crop long before you notice the insect itself. That’s why early identification is the most powerful protection a farmer has. Here are the first warning signs you must never ignore: 1. Silvery or bronze patches on young leaves Thrips scrape the surface and suck sap, leaving behind a shiny, damaged layer. This is usually the very first indicator. 2. Upward curling of leaves If your capsicum leaves start curling upwards and fail to open properly, thrips are alr

Life cycle of thrips Thrips are a major problem in greenhouse horticulture. They can easily overwinter and attack plants early in the season. The eggs of thrips are kidney-shaped and are laid in leaves, flower petals and in the soft parts of stalks. Before a female deposits an egg, she first makes an opening in the plant tissue. After hatching the larva immediately begins to feed on plant tissue. The first instar larva moults into a second instar larva. This second stage larva is bigger and has