hrips in hydroponics: what they are and how to prevent them
Although hydroponics is a cultivation technique that has many benefits when compared to traditional production systems, no plantation is free from possible infestations of insects or pests, or even viral infections.
Therefore, the prevention of these diseases needs to be a constant concern of the producers, so that they ensure a healthy environment for the plants to develop with quality.
With that in mind, Hortivinyl has prepared special materials to help you prevent diseases in your greenhouse. In this post, you will learn a little more about thrips, an insect that is very harmful to plants, and how to prevent them.
What are Thrips?
Thrips are small insects, which cause large losses in cultivation, especially during the young stage of plants. Since they are small, the insects themselves are not often seen, only when visual symptoms appear on the plants.
To identify thrips, it is best to precisely observe the symptoms and characteristics of the plants, as the insect will not always be present or easily identifiable with the naked eye.
There are direct and indirect symptoms to identify if plants have been harmed by thrips. Direct symptoms can include whitish to silvery areas and areas of necrosis, especially on the inside of leaves. Another symptom is noticed when young leaves become deformed. When the infestation is large, the leaves turn a greenish-yellow color.
Indirect symptoms can vary greatly, according to the crop being cultivated. In lettuce, for example, the disease can cause malformation of the lettuce head, as well as leaf necrosis.
How can it be prevented?
Prevention is the best action to ensure a healthy hydroponic system, free from pests or diseases. Keeping the greenhouse clean is essential, as is maintaining a leaf inspection routine to identify the presence of insects or pests.
Extracts and essential oils, known as natural insecticides, can also be used. Neem oil is widely used as a natural insecticide, helping to control pests.
