Thrips Parvispinus - From Quarantine Crisis to Integrated Solutions with Dr. Alexandra Revynthi
S01:E12

Thrips Parvispinus - From Quarantine Crisis to Integrated Solutions with Dr. Alexandra Revynthi

Homestead, Florida
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Episode description

Thrips Parvispinus — From Quarantine Crisis to Integrated Solutions

When an invasive thrips species arrived in Florida and shut down nurseries overnight, Dr. Alexandra Revynthi and her team raced to find answers within a 48-hour window. This is the story of that research — and the integrated solutions that followed.

Episode Description

What happens when a single insect — just one — can place an entire nursery under quarantine? That’s the reality Florida ornamental growers faced when Thrips parvispinus arrived. In this episode, Dr. Ping Yu sits down with Dr. Alexandra Revynthi, assistant professor of ornamental entomology and acarology at the University of Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center, to explore the science behind managing one of the most challenging invasive pests to hit the ornamental industry in recent years.

Alexandra shares her remarkable journey from collecting flowers at her grandmother’s house in Greece at age 11 to becoming a leading researcher in ornamental pest management — with a surprising detour through mites and roses in Amsterdam along the way. Together, Ping and Alexandra dive deep into the practical research that’s giving growers real tools: from the lab screening that identified which products actually work against this pest, to an innovative dip treatment approach that lets propagators start clean.

Whether you’re a grower battling thrips in your operation, a student fascinated by entomology, or a plant enthusiast who wants to know why that gardenia looks a little rough — this episode is packed with plant power and practical wisdom.

Listen Time: 48:19

View this Episode’s Transcript

Consulte las Notas del Programa

In This Episode

Guest

Dr. Alexandra Revynthi — Assistant Professor, Ornamental Entomology and Acarology, University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center. Originally from Greece, Dr. Revynthi specializes in developing integrated pest management programs for pests of ornamental plants. Her research on Thrips parvispinus has provided critical tools for Florida’s ornamental industry during a quarantine crisis. Favorite plant: Phalaenopsis orchids.

Main Topics

  • Meet Dr. Alexandra Revynthi — from Greece to Florida (01:14)
  • The chickpea connection: what’s in a name? (02:21)
  • From age 11 to acarologist: Alexandra’s journey to entomology (03:48)
  • Finding the world’s best mite scientist in Amsterdam (05:47)
  • Alexandra’s research program at UF TREC (07:36)
  • Thrips parvispinus arrives in Florida — “here we go again” (08:46)
  • The quarantine crisis: one insect shuts down a nursery (17:54)
  • Lab screening: 22 conventional + 11 biorational products tested (20:11)
  • Top-performing products: chlorfenapyr, XXpire, abamectin (24:27)
  • Biorational alternatives: mineral oil and sesame oil (26:15)
  • The scouting-first approach and rotation strategy (32:08)
  • Host plant favorites: bell pepper, gardenia, mandevilla (34:07)
  • Dip treatment innovation: start the crop clean (36:21)
  • Research gaps: integrating biological control (40:52)
  • New challenge: the two-spot cotton leafhopper (42:59)
  • Alexandra’s favorite plant: Phalaenopsis orchids (44:14)
  • AFE resources and closing (46:39)

Key Highlights

  • The 48-hour research window. When quarantine regulations gave growers just 48 hours to eradicate the pest and request reinspection, Alexandra’s team designed lab assays specifically around that timeline — and shared results with growers immediately rather than waiting for publication.
  • Old chemistry doesn’t work. Products that were highly effective against western flower thrips failed against Thrips parvispinus — explaining why growers’ initial management efforts were unsuccessful.
  • Three products that stood out. Chlorfenapyr (Pylon/Piston) was the top performer with 100% mortality. XXpire (sulfoxaflor + spinetoram) and abamectin (Avid) also showed strong results across lab and greenhouse trials.
  • Biorational options for rotation. Mineral oil (3%) and sesame oil formulations showed unexpected efficacy as residue treatments, offering non-synthetic rotation options — particularly valuable during fall and winter months.
  • Start clean with dip treatments. Treating cuttings before sticking with Suffoil-X (mineral oil at 2%) dislodged over 80% of thrips and caused no phytotoxicity — an innovative approach using Canada’s experience with western flower thrips as a model.
  • The beating method. A simple, practical scouting technique: white paper on a board, tap the canopy, look for the characteristic two-color pattern (golden yellow vs. dark brown/black).
  • Researcher vs. grower perspective. Fast lifecycle is great for researchers (quick results) but terrible for growers (rapid damage before you even see the pest).

Key Quotes

“My parents always thought, she’s 11, she’s going to change her mind. It’s too early, but I didn’t. And I’m happy that I didn’t.” — Dr. Alexandra Revynthi, on deciding to become an agronomist

“When the thrips arrived, we were like, ‘Okay, here we go again.’” — Dr. Alexandra Revynthi, on Florida’s constant battle with invasive pests

“At that time, a single individual was enough to place a nursery under quarantine. Only one insect.” — Dr. Alexandra Revynthi, on the quarantine threshold

“For the growers, definitely, it’s one of the worst nightmares that you can get from a pest because you cannot even see them. You only see the damage when the plants cannot be saved anymore.” — Dr. Ping Yu

“We always encourage them to do the beating method.” — Dr. Alexandra Revynthi, on practical scouting for Thrips parvispinus

Educational Highlights

  • Thrips parvispinus (common name: short spine thrips, also called pepper thrips in Europe) — An invasive thrips species first officially reported in Florida in 2020. Smaller than western flower thrips. Distinguished by its two-color pattern: golden yellow thorax and darker brown/black abdomen.
  • Acarology — The scientific study of mites and ticks. Dr. Revynthi is one of a limited number of mite specialists in the United States.
  • Biorational insecticides — Insecticides derived from natural resources, including botanical insecticides (plant-derived active ingredients), mineral/petroleum-based oils, and microbial insecticides (fungi or bacteria-based formulations like Beauveria bassiana).
  • The beating method — A field scouting technique: place a white piece of paper on a board, gently tap the plant canopy over it, and examine the dislodged insects with a magnifying lens to identify potential thrips.
  • Dip treatment — A propagation technique where cuttings are immersed in a pesticide solution before being stuck (planted for rooting). Not all products are labeled for dip use — the label must specifically permit it.
  • Suffoil-X — A mineral oil product that received an emergency exemption for dip treatment use against Thrips parvispinus in the US. Already labeled for dipping in Canada.
  • Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes — Organisms that naturally infect and kill insects. Dr. Revynthi’s team has identified several as potential biocontrol agents against Thrips parvispinus.
  • Photodegradation — The breakdown of chemical compounds by light, which can reduce the effectiveness of some insecticides (like abamectin) in greenhouse settings compared to controlled lab conditions.

Resources & Links

About Blooms and Beyond

Blooms and Beyond explores plant history, culture, and management through the lens of science. Whether you’re a commercial grower seeking practical solutions, a student exploring careers in horticulture, or simply someone who loves plants and their stories, there’s something here for you. Hosted by Dr. Ping Yu of the University of Georgia, each episode features interviews with experts who share enchanting stories, cutting-edge research, and practical wisdom from the world of horticulture.

Your benefit: After each episode, commercial growers will have at least one useful tip for their operation, and plant enthusiasts will have an interesting fact to share. That’s how we spread plant power to more people and make our environment a little better.

Credits

Host: Dr. Ping Yu Producer: Rich Braman Guest: Dr. Alexandra Revynthi, University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center Support: American Floral Endowment Educational Grant

Episode Release Date: April 12, 2026 Episode Length: 48:19

“Till next time, stay healthy and go plants!” 🌱