Thrips are common pests that can damage plants. Bonide Systemic Granules offer a targeted approach to managing these insects. This article explains how to use Bonide Systemic Granules to protect your plants from thrips.
What Are Bonide Systemic Granules?
Bonide Systemic Granules are an insecticide designed to provide internal protection for plants against various pests. The active ingredient is Imidacloprid, a synthetic compound that mimics nicotine and targets the central nervous system of insects. This neonicotinoid is effective against sap-sucking pests.
Systemic insecticides are absorbed into the plant’s vascular system, making the plant toxic to feeding insects. When applied to the soil, roots take up Imidacloprid, which then circulates throughout the plant’s stems, leaves, and new growth. Pests like thrips ingest the chemical when they feed on the plant’s sap, leading to paralysis and death. This internal action offers protection that cannot be washed away by rain or watering.
Understanding Thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender insects, often less than 1/20 of an inch long, making them difficult to spot. They possess fringed wings, which give them their scientific order name, Thysanoptera. These pests damage plants by piercing the surface tissue and sucking out cell contents, leaving behind distinctive signs.
Plant damage includes silvery stippling or pale speckles on leaves, distorted growth, and sometimes black specks (excrement). Thrips reproduce rapidly, with some species completing their life cycle in as little as two weeks. Their small size, ability to hide in crevices, and quick reproductive cycles make them difficult to control with contact insecticides alone, as these may not reach all life stages or hidden populations.
Applying Bonide Systemic Granules for Thrips
Apply Bonide Systemic Granules directly to the soil around the base of the plant. For containerized plants, distribute granules evenly on the soil surface. Always consult the product label for specific dosage rates based on plant size or container volume.
After application, mix the granules thoroughly into the top 1 to 2 inches of soil, avoiding root damage. Water the treated area thoroughly to help release the chemical for absorption. Applications can be made during planting or when pests are first noticed, and repeated every 8 weeks for ongoing protection. These granules are suitable for outdoor residential flower beds, roses, shrubs, and non-edible containerized plants.
Safety Precautions
When using Bonide Systemic Granules, wear protective gear like gloves to avoid skin contact. Avoid inhaling dust from the granules. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product and before eating, drinking, or using tobacco.
Store the product in a cool, dry area, out of reach of children and pets, keeping the container tightly closed. Do not apply Bonide Systemic Granules to plants intended for consumption, such as herbs, vegetables, or fruit-bearing plants. Dispose of empty containers in the trash or recycle if available; never dispose of unused product down drains. This product is toxic to aquatic invertebrates, so prevent runoff into storm drains or surface waters.
Expected Results and Limitations
After applying Bonide Systemic Granules, the plant needs time to absorb and distribute the active ingredient. The insecticide begins to work within 5 days, providing internal protection against feeding insects. Once absorbed, the product offers control for up to 8 weeks.
While effective, Bonide Systemic Granules have limitations. Systemic insecticides primarily target feeding stages of pests, and their effectiveness against all thrips life stages, like eggs within plant tissues, can vary. Thrips may develop resistance to imidacloprid, so relying solely on this chemical can reduce efficacy over time. Integrating systemic treatments with other pest management strategies, such as cultural practices and monitoring, contributes to more sustainable thrips control.