July 2025 - Problematic Thrips on Poinsettias
Apr 01, 2026
How to Identify and Manage Problematic Thrips on Poinsettias
Thrips are a common concern in many crops, but not all thrips behave the same way. In the July edition of Koppert Corner, published through GrowerTalks, we focused on newer and more problematic thrips species that can impact poinsettias.
While western flower thrips are often manageable and may only cause minor early-season damage, other species are becoming more important to watch, especially in greenhouses that previously held tropical plants or spring crops.
These species can establish earlier, spread more aggressively, and cause more noticeable damage if not identified and managed quickly.
Why These Thrips Are Different
In this month’s Koppert Corner, we highlighted two species that are showing up more frequently and causing greater concern.
One is Echinothrips americanus, often referred to as poinsettia thrips. Unlike some thrips that remain harder to detect, this species feeds directly on foliage and is easier to spot on leaves. Damage often appears as discoloration or yellowing, especially on older foliage.
The other is Thrips parvispinus, a more recent and highly adaptable species that has spread through ornamental crops. It feeds on a wide range of plants and can cause significant damage to leaves and flowers. Because it can move between different crops and environments, it is important to stay aware of its presence, especially when bringing in new plants.
Both species can build populations quickly if they go unnoticed, making early monitoring a critical step in control.
Monitoring Is the First Step
A major point we emphasized is that identifying the problem early makes control much more effective.
Different thrips species respond to different monitoring tools, and using the right traps can help detect activity before damage becomes widespread. Regular scouting and consistent monitoring give you the ability to act before populations increase.
Without this step, thrips problems often are not recognized until visible damage appears, which can make control more difficult.
Building an Effective Control Strategy
Managing these thrips requires a proactive approach that combines monitoring with biological control.
By identifying the species early and selecting the right tools, you can reduce populations before they impact plant quality. This is especially important in crops like poinsettias, where appearance directly affects marketability.
Consistency is key. Regular monitoring and early intervention will always produce better results than reacting after populations have already increased.
What This Means for You
For growers and retailers, the main takeaway is to stay aware of where thrips problems can originate.
If your growing space previously housed tropical plants or other crops known to carry thrips, there is a higher likelihood that these species could carry over. Starting with monitoring and acting early will help prevent larger problems later in the season.
Even if damage seems minor at first, it is often a signal that populations are already building.
The Bottom Line
The insights shared in Koppert Corner highlight that thrips management is becoming more complex as new species become more common.
By focusing on early detection, proper identification, and consistent control, you can stay ahead of these problems and protect crop quality.
This article is based on the Koppert Corner published in GrowerTalks and adapted for NaturalEnemies.com. To check out the original article, click here: Thrips Biosolutions; CO Potato Beetle; Growth Tracking
Want more quick takes from Koppert's Corner on Grower Talks?
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Mealybug Tag-team Takedown - August 2025
Preparing Perennials for Winter - October 2025
Just a dip won't do - November 2025
Gerbera and Hydrangea - December 2025
