Fighting Kiwi Thrips: Symptoms, Prevention and Professional Solutions

Thrips, these small, devastating pests, pose a serious threat to kiwi crops in France. Their presence can compromise both production and harvest quality, making their management essential for growers. This article offers a comprehensive guide to identifying symptoms, adopting prevention methods, and choosing appropriate solutions to protect your kiwi plants. At the end of the article, also discover how Kiwiverse, a Kiwi Plant Wholesale Supplier, can help you replace your damaged plants and restart your production.

What are thrips ( Heliothrips spp. )?

Thrips, grouped under the scientific name Heliothrips spp. , are small insect pests that attack the leaves, flowers, and fruit of kiwi plants. They cause direct damage, but also indirect damage by weakening the plants and making them vulnerable to other threats.

Morphology and life cycle

• Morphology: Adults measure only 1 to 2 mm and are black or dark brown in color. Nymphs, on the other hand, are yellowish or whitish.
• Habitat: Thrips thrive in warm, dry conditions, such as greenhouses or well-sheltered orchards.
• Life cycle: Their rapid reproduction (several generations in one season) makes them difficult to control. They pass through the egg, larva, nymph and adult stages.

Mode of action of thrips

These insects feed by piercing plant tissues to suck out juices, which weakens the plant and causes visible symptoms, such as discoloration or deformation of leaves and fruits.

Symptoms of a thrips infestation on kiwi crops

Discoloration and deformation of leaves

• Presence of light or translucent spots, sometimes accompanied by black dots (thrips excrement).
• Silvery or bronze appearance of leaves, a sign of significant stress.
• Deformation of the leaves, often folded or twisted.

Damage to flowers and fruits

• The flowers have white or brownish spots, sometimes leading to premature dropping.
• Developing fruits show brown spots, reducing their visual and commercial quality.

Loss of flowering and reduced yields

Severe infestations result in partial or total sterility, limiting fruit formation and causing considerable financial losses.

Impact of thrips on kiwi production in France

• Reduced yields: Fruit loss directly affects harvested volumes.
• Reduced quality: Fruits marked with spots are often rejected by buyers.
• Plant Weakening: Infested plants become vulnerable to secondary diseases and other pests.

Methods of preventing thrips on kiwi crops

Regular monitoring of plantations

• Inspect leaves, flowers and fruits regularly for early signs.
• Set sticky traps (blue or yellow) to monitor the thrips population.

Maintain good crop hygiene

• Remove plant debris, as it may harbor thrips or their eggs.
• Practice regular pruning to improve air circulation in the orchard.

Climate management in greenhouses

Lower the temperature and increase the relative humidity to reduce their proliferation.

Encourage natural helpers

Encourage the presence of natural predators such as mites ( Amblyseius swirskii ) or ladybugs in your orchards.

Biological control of thrips: A sustainable solution

• Use of predatory mites: These mites attack thrips larvae, effectively reducing their population.
• Specialized parasitoids: Insects such as Thripobius javae parasitize thrips, limiting their reproduction.
• Beneficial nematodes: Nematodes such as Steinernema feltiae target thrips pupae, reducing emerging populations.

Solutions to replace your damaged kiwi plants

If your plants are severely affected by thrips infestations, it is sometimes necessary to replace them to ensure future production. Kiwiverse Kiwi Plant Wholesale Supplier offers a wide range of professional-quality kiwi plants to meet the needs of growers.

Why choose Kiwiverse Kiwi Plant Wholesale Supplier?

• Wide range of plants: Available in pots, cells or bare roots.
• Professional quality: The plants are selected from specialized nurseries.
• Fast delivery: Delivery directly to your orchard within 15 days.
• Competitive prices: Ideal for optimizing production costs.

Our services for kiwi growers

• Personalized technical advice: Assistance in designing or replanting your orchard.
• Responsive sales support: Free quotes and quick responses.
• Supply flexibility: Solutions adapted to all types of orchards, whether grafted plants or rootstocks.

Thrips FAQs and Solutions for Growers

How to prevent a thrips infestation?

Monitor your crops regularly, maintain good hygiene and encourage natural auxiliaries.

Can damaged plants be salvaged?

In severe cases, it is best to replace the affected plants with new, robust, and suitable plants.

What types of plants do you offer?

We offer a wide range of kiwi plants, including grafted plants and bare-root rootstocks.

Do you deliver directly to the orchards?

Yes, we deliver anywhere in France, directly to your orchards or farms.

What are the delivery times?

Delivery can be made within 15 days, depending on plant availability.

Do you offer technical support?

Yes, our kiwi technical advisors are available to guide you through every step of your project.

Conclusion: Thrips and the revival of professional orchards

Thrips pose a significant challenge for kiwi growers in France. An integrated approach combining prevention, biological control, and tailored solutions can effectively limit their impact. If necessary, consider purchasing kiwi plants from Kiwiverse, a Kiwi Plant Wholesale Supplier, to ensure sustainable and efficient production.