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Thrips

Thrips

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Thrip damage on cannabis plants can be identified by several characteristics. Adult thrips are small and agile insects, while their young counterparts resemble pale, motionless worms on the leaves. The appearance of thrips can vary depending on their life stage and geographical location, ranging from dark or golden-winged insects to worm-like nymphs.

Thrips feed on cannabis leaves by piercing them with their mouthparts and extracting nutrients, resulting in distinctive marks on the foliage. These marks are shiny and can give the impression of being slimy. They appear as silver or bronze spots that are larger and more irregularly shaped than the bites left by spider mites. If left untreated for a prolonged period, the affected leaves may eventually wither and die.

It's worth noting that while thrip damage might not be accurately portrayed in pictures, in real-life observations, it has been described as resembling "dried spit" or tiny snail trails.

Cause of Issue
◉ Thrips cause damage by feeding on cannabis leaves and extracting nutrients. ◉ They penetrate the leaf tissue, resulting in the formation of silver or bronze spots on the affected areas. ◉ Thrips reproduce rapidly and can quickly infest a cannabis garden, leading to widespread damage if left unchecked.
Symptoms
◉ Shiny, silver, or bronze spots on cannabis leaves ◉ Irregularly shaped spots caused by thrips' feeding activity ◉ Leaves may exhibit signs of withering and eventual death
Corrective Actions
◉ Insecticidal Soap: Fatty acid salts or insecticidal soaps can be effective against thrips. These products weaken the outer shell of thrips without causing harm to the plant. It's important to ensure thorough coverage, as the soaps may not persist on the leaves for an extended period, necessitating follow-up applications. Avoid getting the soap on buds. ◉ Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural remedy known for its efficacy against various pests, including thrips. However, when using it on flowering plants, precautions should be taken to prevent contact with buds, as it may leave an unpleasant taste and smell. Some evidence suggests that neem oil may be harmful to humans, so cautious use is advised. Apply neem oil using a mister to achieve even coverage. ◉ Spinosad Products (not for commercial growers): Spinosad-based products are organic and pose no harm to pets, children, or plants. They can be applied topically to kill thrips on contact or used during watering to eradicate them through the roots. Spinosad is also effective against caterpillars, spider mites, and other marijuana pests. It is less toxic to beneficial insects, making it a suitable choice for organic and outdoor cultivation. ◉ Pyrethrins: Pyrethrin-based insecticides are relatively low in toxicity for humans and degrade quickly, making them popular for use in vegetable gardens. However, they can be harmful to bees, so their use should be a last resort. Apply pyrethrin products using a mister, preferably after sunset to minimize bee exposure. ◉ Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous Earth, a fine powder composed of fossilized remains, can be sprinkled on the soil surface and other areas of the growing space. It is harmless to plants and mammals but acts as a desiccant, dehydrating and damaging thrips upon contact. Incorporating diatomaceous earth into the topsoil and spreading it around the base of plants can help reduce thrip populations. ◉ Please note that these solutions are recommendations and should be used in accordance with product instructions and the specific requirements of your cannabis garden.
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