Where Avocado Thrips Are Found and the Damage They Cause

Ideal and non-ideal grove conditions for avocado thrips

• Avocado thrips are most common from fall through spring on young leaves.
• They are more commonly found in groves near the coast because of the cooler coastal temperatures.
• Thrips usually decline in numbers when temperatures rise and humidity declines in the summer over a period of several days.
• Avocado thrips larvae and adults exhibit highest survivorship, longevity, and fecundity at moderately cool temperatures (68-76ºF).
• Fruit 0.8-1.6 inches are most preferred by avocado thrips.

Damage caused by avocado thrips

• When severe thrips feeding damage occurs, it can cause premature leaf drop.
• Scarring of immature avocado fruit in spring is the most common damage.
• Scarring can render the entire fruit surface brown with an “alligator skin” appearance.
• Scarred fruit can continue to grow in size, although they are often smaller than normal, while the flesh remains healthy and green.