Cuban Laural
Thrips are fairly easy to identify; the damage is quite distinguishable. They attack only a few species of Ficus,
notably the retusa, while most others are immune. But when thrips become abundant, they will
feed on other hosts.
Using their
rasping, sucking mouthparts, they feed on the tender, light green leaves
causing a sunken purplish red spotting.
As the thrips feed, the individual leaves roll together with the thrips
inside. Eventually, the feeding causes a
yellowing of the leaf along with some dark spotting. In the wind and rain these
leaves will ultimately drop off.
With small
trees, regular pruning of infested branches is often effective. Shearing off a
few inches like trimming a hedge, however, should be avoided. This will
stimulate new growth which is then susceptible to attack.
Folded
leaves can be unsightly but rarely become serious. In most cases the thrips can be ignored. If treatment is needed, common contact
insecticides are of little use since the thrips are rolled up inside the
leaf. Using a systemic insecticide like acephate (Orthene) would be more
effective.
