Western Flower Thrips also acts as a vector for Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus. Biological control seems possible in very controlled environments. We recommend to monitor your thrips population weekly with the help of sticky cards. Even small counts of adult thrips on the cards should be cause for concern in Kalanchoe crops. Thrips damage on Kalanchoe leaves.
Mealybugs cause damage through feeding on axillary buds and growing tips.
Mealybugs are hard to eliminate from the greenhouse, and early detection is again the key to good control. Fairly small populations can cause significant damage, because usually plants that have been infested cannot be marketed anymore. We recommend to make immediate spot-treatments wherever mealybugs are found in the greenhouse. All employees should be trained to identify and report even small numbers of these insects. Within the greenhouse, Mealybugs can be transmitted on hands or clothing of anyone that handles infested plants.