Looks like it’s not fungus gnats after all, but thrips
Not touched the plants since Friday, then yesterday went to bottom feed one, and turns out the tray was covered in dried out, but clearly not all dead thrips. I did what I could by swapping the tray out immediately for a clean one, but the problem will of course be deeper than that.
I’ve doubled up on the diatomaceous earth coating, and thickly chopped potatoes and put them around the base of the stem. I’ve checked with a torch and can see absolutely no sign of them making their way up the stem. I understand they won’t harm the roots or buds, but will go for the leaves, so if we can keep them down in the soil for the last couple of weeks (maybe less) of flower, then smoke bomb the cabinet, the room it’s in etc. and start again.
Fed the clones last night and couldn’t see any signs on the surface or in the run off, but I’d be surprised if they’ve gotten away with it. We’re trying to maintain hygiene between cabinets, but I guess you can only go so far to prevent the spread of these things. I’ll get pics up later when I have time.
It may be smarter to kill these clones, smoke bomb everything, and start again from seed. Thoughts…?
Tx