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- Author or Editor: Julie A. McIntyre x
Research focused on alternative methods to control Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande), encompassing chemicals from varying classes, parasitic nematodes, microbial insecticides, and physical/mechanical deterrents. Chemical spray applications were applied weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. Experiment 1 made comparisons between fenoxycarb (Precision), bifenthrin (Talstar), and entomopathogenic nematodes (Biosafe). Experiment 2 compared abamectin (Avid), spinosyn A and D (Spinosad), azadirachtin (neem extract: Margosan-O), and diatomaceous earth (a physical control aimed at deterring pupation). Experiment 3 compared Spinosad, fipronil, and two microbial insecticides (Naturalis-O and Mycotrol). The number of thrips counted in flowers after treatments had been applied indicated that the strict chemical treatments (Avid, Spinosad, fipronil) provided quick knockdown and overall longer-term population control. Microbial insecticides, diatomaceous earth, and nematodes maintained populations at a lower level than the control, but were not as effective as strict chemical controls. Margosan-O, Precision, and Talstar controlled populations at medium levels. For periods when populations may cycle upward, more potent chemicals could be used (Spinosad, fipronil, and Avid) while still avoiding problems associated with more toxic chemicals.
Chemical and physical methods were tested to determine their effectiveness in controlling Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), in greenhouses. Comparisons were made between abamectin (Avid); Spinosyn A and D, formulated from the soil Actinomycete, Saccharopolyspora spinosa (Spinosad); azadirachtin (Margosan-O); and diatomaceous earth, a physical control aimed at deterring pupation. Results based on the number of thrips counted in gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) flowers indicate that the chemical treatments were significantly more effective in reducing populations than the diatomaceous earth. Over time, the population of thrips in both the Avid and Spinosad treatments was reduced to zero. Diatomaceous earth treatments reduced populations almost 50% as compared to the control, while reductions from Margosan-O ranged 50-90%.