Thrips Infestation on Pomegranate: Species, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction

Thrips are a significant pest affecting pomegranate crops, causing damage to leaves and fruits. The major thrips species recorded on pomegranate include Retithrips syriacus, Anaphothrips oligochaetus, and Scirtothrips dorsalis.

Distribution

• Found in India, Mediterranean countries, Iran, Iraq, Arabian Peninsula, and Ukraine.

Host Plants

• Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
• Grapes, rose, Lagerstroemia indica

Identification and Biology

• Eggs: Dirty white, bean-shaped
• Nymphs: Reddish when newly hatched, turn yellowish-brown as they mature
• Adults: Small (1.4 mm), slender-bodied, blackish-brown with yellowish wings
• Life Cycle:
  • Egg stage: 3–8 days
  • Pupal stage: 2–5 days
  • Females lay ~50 eggs on leaf undersides

Mode of Feeding & Symptoms of Infestation

• Feeding behavior: Nymphs and adults feed by rasping the leaf surface and sucking cell sap.
• Symptoms:
  • Leaves turn brown, curl, and dry
  • Young fruits develop scab-like patches
  • Thrips infestation is visible on leaves and fruits

Seasonal Incidence

• Peak infestation from July to October (highest in September)
• High morning humidity increases the thrips population within two weeks

Management Strategies

1. Cultural Control

• Ensure proper aeration through training and pruning
• Avoid intercropping with alternate hosts like chili, onion, garlic, brinjal, and tomato

2. Mechanical Control

• Use blue sticky traps (placed 15 cm above the canopy) for monitoring

3. Biological Control

• Encourage natural enemies like Verticillium lecanii fungus

4. Chemical Control

• Acephate 0.075% spray
• Acetamiprid 20 SP (0.005% to 0.01%) or Spinosad 45 SC for effective control
• Spraying should be done in the evening for better effectiveness

Conclusion

Thrips can significantly damage pomegranate crops, affecting both foliage and fruit quality. Integrated pest management (IPM) through cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods helps effectively control the infestation and minimize yield loss.