The feeding effects of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)) and wind damage on French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The relative impact of feeding effects of thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)) and wind damage on French beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. was tested in a glasshouse simulation trial. Wind caused significantly more ‘bean-curl’ and scarring to the pod than that caused by thrips. Bean growers in Tasmania, where much damage to bean pods has been attributed to thrips, should consider the use of wind breaks to prevent this damage and reconsider the use of insecticide regimes currently used to control thrips.