The effect of intercropping on thrips population densities and
damage depends, among other factors, on the selection of plants
species. In some cases intercropping does increase the population of
thrips in susceptible crops. Thus, populations of the onion thrips
increase on potatoes when intercropped with shallot and garlic, as
does Caliothrips indicus on groundnuts intercropped with pigeon pea
and mung bean. A mixed cropping habitat is likely to encourage thrips
predators, as has been shown for the minute pirate bugs (Orius
tristicolor ) [27].