Gladiolus thrips: Thrips simplex Symptom of damage
- Deformities and discolouration of gladiolus flowers and corms (bulbs)
- Attacked- buds and flowers remain closed or open irregularly.
- Infested surfaces show whitish grey glistening.
Identification of the pest
- Egg - opaque white, smooth and bean shaped, deposited in the leaf tissue and corms.
- Adult - milky-white which later turn brown
- Wings have a light transverse band near the base.
| Adult - Thrips tabaci |