1) Magnified adult thrips                    2) Thrip damage on a rose bud

FLOWER THRIPS - These insects of the genus Frankliniella are commonly found on roses. They can cause brown-edged holes, brown spots and blotches on flower petals. These very small brown insects are best controlled early in the season (around May) with repeat applications of insecticidal soap. Control can be difficult because the insects can only be killed when they are exposed and they tend get deep within flower buds and under petals. Removal of old and infested blossoms can help reduce populations. The brown/orange adults fly and will migrate to other hosts nearby. The thrips seem to be attracted to lighter colored roses.

 

This web site was created for the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania's Plant Clinic.
Created by C. Hetzel and revised by S. Eisenman on 3/7/02.
URL = http://www.upenn.edu/PaFLORA/Plantclinic/flowerthrips.html