A hot topic across Perth
Over the past few weeks we have been inundated with clients seeking advice for their suffering roses and citrus plants. Testing performed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Department has confirmed damage to rose samples were caused by the culprit: chilli thrips. Viral threats have been ruled out.
Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) are found throughout the world and were first reported in the State’s north about 20 years ago.
The recent rainfall and humidity has created conditions that are conducive to chilli thrips, which like to feed on the sugars in new shoots.
Chilli thrips have moved down from the north of the State to the south in recent years and have been very active during the past couple of years in Perth gardens.
Also known as strawberry thrips and tea thrips, chilli thrips feed not just on roses but also on all citrus and their hybrids, as well as a range of fruit and vegetable hosts.
Chilli thrips are tiny and difficult to distinguish from other thrips species with the naked eye. The pest is about two millimetres long, pale or translucent in colour with an elongated body.
Plants infested by chilli thrips have damage similar to that caused by other thrips species, such as wrinkled, curled or distorted leaves with distinctive brown scarring along leaf veins, flower buds and the calyx or outer casing of fruit.
Every effort should be made to control the pest now as they will delight in feasting on the new spring shoots after their annual winter prune.
To arrange a visit, you can request a call back by calling 1800 24 74 84 or email bookings@weedingwomen.com.au
And to read more about Chilli Thrips, you can download the media release from the Department HERE.