There is a new “organic”, “systemic” insecticide manufactured from rosemary oil. SNS 209 All-Natural Systemic Pest Control | Systemic Insecticide The site states "Suggested Uses: For use controlling and repelling Spider Mites, Whiteflies, Fungus Gnats, Thrips, Root Aphids, Scales and more on fruit trees and in vegetable, flower and herb gardens as well as in greenhouses and hydroponics.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Spider Mites (Tetranychidae), Whiteflies (Aleyrodoidea), Fungus Gnats (Bradysia coprophila, Bradysia impatiens), Thrips (Thysanoptera), Root Aphids, Scales (Coccoidea) and other plant feeding insects." And, that it isn’t harmful to bees and butterflies as they aren’t feeding on the plants.
Now, imagine if this might make the treated plants distasteful to Chilli Thrips! How about the mites which spread RRD? Perhaps if they get a sufficient snoot full of it before being able to spread enough of the disease… Definitely ideas worth investigating!