Evaluation of Insecticides for Early-Season Thrips Control in Mississippi, 1987

Thirteen treatments were tested for relative efficacy against thrips in irrigated cotton planted 8 May at the Plant Science Research Farm, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Miss. Plots were 8 rows (38-inch centers) × 50 ft and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Treatments were applied to the center 4 rows by high-clearance spray tractor equipped with compressed-air plot spray system calibrated for 4.4 gal/acre at 4 mph using 1 flat-fan (8002e) nozzle/row (19-inch band). Applications were made on 23 and 29 May. Another applications (2 × rate) was applied 5 Jun. All plots received insecticide treatments for nontarget pests as needed during the season. Whole plants were clipped and placed in a pint jar and brought back to the lab for further washing. The thrips were then counted under a microscope after filtration onto filter paper. All data were collected from the 2 center rows.