Managing Thrips tabaci – a pest of National Singnificance

Abstract

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a global pest with increasing concern especially in onion and garlic production. It increases tremendously under hot and dry conditions. In general, onion thrips have 6-10 generations in one season and its life-cycle ranges from 20 to35 days, depending on temperature fluctuation. Combination factors like shorter generation time and reduction of mortality through rains might be the possible reasons for its outbreak . Though, chemical control still remais as the miracle weapon to manage this pest, it is not devoid of harmful impact on human health and environment. Hence, integrated pest management is crucial.