Managing Thrips tabaci – a pest of national significance

Abstract

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a global pest with increasing concernespecially in onion and garlic production. It increases tremendously underhot and dry conditions. In general, onion thrips have 6-10 generations inone season and its life-cycle ranges from 20 to 35 days, depending ontemperature fluctuation. Combination factors like shorter generation timeand reduction of mortality through rains might be the possible reasons forits outbreak. Though, chemical control still remains as the miracle weaponto manage this pest, it is not devoid of harmful impact on human healthand environment. Hence, integrated pest management is crucial.