Eli Kitterman – Spring 2024

Thrips are small greenhouse pests that are especially difficult to control and can cause serious damage in a short span of time. The nursery’s plants in the Douglas Research Conservatory greenhouse Zone 3 have experienced moderate infestations of thrips and other common pests, impacting plant quality and quantity. This project aims to establish an effective and efficient protocol for pest (thrips) management in the greenhouse. Using integrated pest management (IPM) concepts, this research combines a variety of management techniques that can reduce the thrips’ population/economic impact while maintaining plant quality, including improving overall plant health and pest monitoring practices at the nursery.