(Megalurothrips sjostedti and Frankliniella schultzei)
Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) Steve L. Brown, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Several species of thrips attack groundnuts. They have been reported as important pests of groundnuts in Uganda.
The flower thrips (Frankliniella schultzei and Megalurothrips sjostedti) infest mainly buds and flowers.
Attacked flowers are discoloured and scarred; terminal leaf buds are blackened and distorted after unfolding.
Other species of thrips (e.g. Scirtothrips dorsalis and Caliothrips indicus) infest foliage.
Thrips feeding causes yellowish-green patches on the upper leaf surface and brown necrotic areas and silvery sheen on the lower surface of the leaf; leaves become thickened and some curling occurs.
In severe infestations, young leaves are severely deformed, plants are stunted and leaves are blighted.
What to do:
- Conserve natural enemies. Thrips are attacked by predatory thrips, lacewings and predatory bugs.
- Whenever necessary spray the crop with botanicals, such as plant extracts (e.g. garlic, rotenone, neem, pyrethrum, etc.). A mixture of garlic and pepper has been recommended for organic growers in USA.
- Plough and harrow before transplanting. This can be useful in reducing thrips attacks by killing pupae in the soil.