If chemical control is necessary, these products are recommended because they control mite populations without destroying beneficial predators. An additional research outcome has been the development of mite-resistant cotton varieties, such as the okra leaf shape, which reduces mite numbers and allows for better penetration of chemical sprays. Thrips Thrips migrate into cotton from weeds and rotation wheat crops. Early in the season thrips are often the most abundant cotton pest, however, in contrast to the damage caused by mites, thrips are not very harmful to cotton. Scientists have found that although thrips cause substantial leaf damage, they rarely damage the growing tips.
Thrips are also an important predator of mites, and their presence keeps mite numbers low.
In management terms, therefore, it is best to accept the minimal impact from thrips, and balance this against the money saved through not spraying.