Image: Thrips Damage on Onion Leaves

This high-resolution, landscape-oriented image presents a detailed close-up of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) damage on green onion leaves (Allium cepa). The composition features three overlapping leaves arranged diagonally across the frame, with the top leaf extending from the top-left to the bottom-right corner, the middle leaf partially visible beneath it, and the bottom leaf running parallel to the top one.

The primary visual focus is on the silvery-white streaks that run longitudinally along the leaf surfaces. These streaks are the hallmark of thrips feeding damage, caused by the insect's rasping-sucking mouthparts that rupture epidermal cells and extract their contents. The resulting damage exposes the underlying leaf tissue, producing a reflective, metallic sheen that contrasts sharply with the healthy green areas.

The leaves exhibit a range of green tones, from deep emerald near the margins to lighter, more translucent green toward the center. The silvery streaks vary in width and continuity—some are narrow and linear, while others are broader and fragmented. Within the damaged areas, the leaf surface appears rough and granular, with tiny raised particles and occasional yellowish specks, possibly frass or secondary fungal colonization.

The leaf edges are smooth and gently curved, with minor imperfections such as small brown spots and subtle undulations. The lighting is soft and diffused, casting gentle shadows that enhance the texture and depth of the leaf surfaces. The background is intentionally blurred, composed of earthy brown and muted green tones, which isolates the subject and emphasizes the diagnostic features.

This image is ideal for horticultural diagnostics, educational materials, pest management guides, and visual catalogs. It provides clear visual evidence of thrips damage, aiding in the identification and understanding of pest impact on onion crops. The composition balances technical clarity with aesthetic realism, making it suitable for both scientific and outreach contexts.

The image is related to: Growing Onions: A Complete Guide for Home Gardeners