Where Avocado Thrips Are Found and the Damage They Cause

  • Apr 17, 2013

Ideal and non-ideal grove conditions for avocado thrips

  • Avocado thrips are most common from fall through spring on young leaves.
  • They are more commonly found in groves near the coast because of the cooler coastal temperatures.
  • Thrips usually decline in numbers when temperatures rise and humidity declines in the summer over a period of several days.
  • Avocado thrips larvae and adults exhibit highest survivorship, longevity, and fecundity at moderately cool temperatures (68-76ºF).
  • Fruit 0.8-1.6 inches are most preferred by avocado thrips.

Damage caused by avocado thrips

  • When severe thrips feeding damage occurs, it can cause premature leaf drop.
  • Scarring of immature avocado fruit in spring is the most common damage.
  • Scarring can render the entire fruit surface brown with an “alligator skin” appearance.
  • Scarred fruit can continue to grow in size, although they are often smaller than normal, while the flesh remains healthy and green.

Avocado Thrips

Avocado Thrips

Avocado fruit scarring caused by avocado thrips