Thrips are very small insects that feed on pollen and developing fruit, causing small, seedy berries, bronzing between achenes, and occasionally cracked fruit.

Since thrips hide within flowers, gently blow on the flowers and thrips will emerge in response to carbon dioxide. More than 10 thrips per flower can cause economic damage. The immature thrip pictured above cannot fly. Adult thrips have wings and can fly or move in air currents for long distances.

Back to Strawberry Diagnostic Tool

This is a part of The Berry Diagnostic Tool - a companion to the NRAES Production Guides for Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries