Thrips attack and lay eggs on newly emerged leaves. Myoporum thrips thrive in warm areas and can reproduce multiple generations throughout the year. In as little as 4 hours it has been found that female thrips can cause significant growth distortion.
About the Pest
Thrips are an invasive species, native to New Zealand, that have been found causing great damage to Myoporum plants, trees and shrubs along the California coast. They are small slender, brown to black in color insects that cause damage to leaves resulting in curled distorted leaves, and premature leaf drop.
Commonly affected hosts include:
Thrips infestations can reduce plant vigor and slow growth. Excessive defoliation can possibly stress a tree making it prone to secondary pests or disease. If left untreated for long periods of time, eventually no new growth will fully develop, leaving limbs, bare, and defoliated.
Management & Prevention
It’s important to note that any suggested treatment will not “reverse” currently damaged foliage. Preventative measures have been shown to be the most effective. Treatments will help control active egg laying adults and in addition reduce larvae feeding.
Along with suggested treatments, shearing or pruning heavily infested foliage where Thrips are currently hiding is suggested. Infested or dying plants should be disposed of carefully to prevent the spread of this pest to other plants. Reduce stress on Myoporum trees and shrubs by avoiding excessive pruning.
To set up a prevention or treatment plan please contact our team with any questions via the link below
