What part of a plant infested with thrips will not open properly?

Buds are the part of a plant that can be severely affected by thrips infestations. Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants, particularly targeting tender plant tissues such as buds. When thrips infest the buds, they can cause distortion, discoloration, and an overall failure of the buds to open properly, preventing normal growth and development.

The damage caused by thrips can lead to stunted or undeveloped flowers and leaves because they directly disrupt the flowering process, which is crucial for reproduction. Healthy buds are essential for a plant to produce flowers and, subsequently, seeds, so an infestation can significantly impact a plant's ability to thrive and reproduce. Other parts of the plant, such as leaves, flowers, and stems, might also show signs of thrips, but the most direct impact on the opening and development is seen in the buds.