November 2025 - Just a Dip Won't Do
Apr 01, 2026
Why a Simple Dip Isn’t Enough for Thrips Control
Thrips management can be especially challenging when problems begin during propagation. In the November edition of Koppert Corner, published through GrowerTalks, we focused on why basic treatments, like dipping cuttings, often are not enough to prevent thrips problems later on.
One of the main concerns highlighted is Thrips parvispinus, a highly damaging species that continues to spread across ornamental crops. This species can arrive on incoming cuttings and remain undetected during early stages, especially when eggs are present.
Why Thrips Slip Through Early Treatments
In this month’s Koppert Corner, we emphasized that even when cuttings are treated at arrival, thrips can still establish.
Eggs are often protected within plant tissue and are not affected by standard dip treatments. This means that even if larvae and adults are reduced initially, new populations can emerge just days later as eggs hatch.
Because of this, what looks like a clean start can quickly turn into a larger problem if follow-up control measures are not in place.
Breaking the Lifecycle Early
To prevent thrips from becoming established, control needs to continue beyond the initial treatment.
We highlighted the importance of consistent, early applications during propagation and early plant development. By targeting multiple life stages over time, it becomes much easier to interrupt reproduction and prevent populations from building.
This is especially important for crops that will be held over longer periods or carried into future growing cycles, where early problems can carry forward and become more difficult to manage later.
A More Complete Approach
Rather than relying on a single treatment, effective thrips control requires a layered approach.
Combining solutions that target both above-ground and below-ground stages helps create more consistent results. This includes addressing larvae, pupae, and adults over multiple applications, rather than trying to solve the problem in one step.
Consistency is what ultimately breaks the cycle and prevents thrips from continuing to reproduce in the crop.
What This Means for You
For growers and retailers, the key takeaway is not to rely solely on initial treatments when bringing in new plant material.
Even if plants appear clean at first, thrips can still be present in early life stages. Starting a proactive program immediately, and continuing it through early development, will prevent larger problems from developing later.
This approach is especially important for high-value crops, where even minor damage can affect quality and saleability.
The Bottom Line
The insights shared in Koppert Corner highlight that effective thrips control starts with understanding their lifecycle. A single dip or treatment is not enough. Consistent, multi-stage control is what prevents problems from developing and protects plant quality over time.
This article is based on the Koppert Corner published in GrowerTalks and adapted for NaturalEnemies.com. To check out the original article, click here: Rooting Hormones; T. parvispinus; Fungus Gnats; Yellow Geraniums
Want more quick takes from Koppert's Corner on Grower Talks?
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Cleaning Up Flowering Tropicals - April 2025
Pesticide Resistance Residues on Garden Mums - May 2025
Prevent Fungus Gnat Larvae - June 2025
Problematic Thrips on Poinsettas - July 2025
Mealybug Tag-team Takedown - August 2025
Preparing Perennials for Winter - October 2025
Gerbera and Hydrangea - December 2025
