Thrips: Retithrips siriacus: Scirtothrips dorsalis

Symptoms of damage:

• Terminal leaves silvered
• The injury results in development of dull yellowish-green patches on the upper leaf surface and brown necrotic areas of the lower surface
• Under heavy infestation the leaves curl and plants get stunted

Identification of the pest:

• Nymph: Pinkish ( Retithrips siriacus ); yellowish ( Scirtothrips dorsalis)
• Adult : Black with fringed wings

Management:

• Insecticides such as dimethoate, methyl-o-demeton at the rate of 2.0 ml/litre of water give control of thrips effectively