Thrips & Tomato Spotted Wilt DiseaseSeveral common species of thrips are able to transmit tomato spotted wilt virus. In order to be infective an adult thrips must have picked up the virus as an immature (nymph). It good to maintain good weed control in the area surrounding the greenhouse because many common broadleaf weeds are able to harbor this virus. It is almost impossible to keep thrips out of the greenhouse. Fine mesh thrips screening severely restricts air flow. However, this is not needed. Outside thrips populations are only a problem in late spring when migrating populations and first generation adults appear. By this time tomato plants are large enough to survive and losses are usually low if natural enemies have been established. | | | Adult western flower thrips. Note long narrow wings with hairs | | | | |  | | Tomato spotted wilt disease symptoms on leaves and stem. | |  | | Tomato spotted wilt disease symtoms on fruit. Spots become apparent when fruit ripens. | |
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