Insecticide Efficacy Against Western Flower Thrips, Georgia, 1985

Six insecticides were tested against Western flower thrips on tomato bedding plants. All plants were moderately infested with thrips, with the species composition approximately 90% Frankliniella occidentalis and 10% Echinothrips americanus Morgan. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 3 plants per treatment plot and each plot replicated 4 times. All materials were applied with a compressed air sprayer, 8003 nozzle, at 30-35 psi until runoff. Pretreatment counts were made the same day as pesticide application. After spraying, the plants were placed on greenhouse benches. Efficacy was based on the total number of thrips (adult and immature) found on each plant with the aid of a magnifying lens.