Thrips have been reported in several crops including tomato, pepper, eggplant and cucurbits. On pepper and eggplant , the main concern is physical feeding damage to the fruit. With cucurbits, the greatest damage is in plant growing points . There may be as many as five thrips species in a field at one time . If Thrips palmi comprises 5 to 10 percent of the population, there is usually little cause for concern because other thrips will compete for the same resources on the plant.
Crop rotation is important in minimizing thrips infestations.
But the choice of insecticides used in controlling other pests is important, too . In many crops growers try to use soft insecticides such as the Bt's for control of armyworm and other lepidopterous insects. These materials are easy on natural enemies that feed on thrips. The use of Admire in peppers has given excellent control of thrips, as well as aphids. We've also had good thrips control with Agri-Mek and SpinTor, which controls leafminers as well.