Evaluation of Insecticides Against Western Flower Thrips in Mississippi, 1987

Thirteen treatments were tested for relative efficacy against western flower thrips in irrigated cotton planted 22 Apr at the Bush Farm, Sunflower County, Miss. Plots were 6 rows (38-inch centers) × 50 ft and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Treatments were applied to all 6 rows by high-clearance spray tractor equipped with a compressed-air plot spray system calibrated for 5 gal/acre at 4 mph using 3 TX-3 nozzles/row. Applications were made on 9 and 14 Jul. All plots received insecticide treatments for nontarget pests as needed during the season. Fifteen leaves and 5 blooms from each plot were clipped and put in zip lock bags in the field. These were returned to the lab and washed. The thrips were filtered onto filter paper and counted. All data were collected from the center 2 rows.