Thrips Control, 1988

At-planting, in-furrow insecticides were evaluated for tobacco thrips control near Edenton in Chowan County, N.C. Soil was sandy with 0.6% humic matter and pH 5.8. Peanuts were planted 13 May (36-inch rows) with approximately 80 lb seed/acre. Soil temperature was 67°F and the soil was moist. Plots were 2 rows wide by 50 ft long, and each plot was separated by 2 buffer rows. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Plot ends were separated by a 5-ft barren strip. Peanuts were planted using a Cole planter and in-furrow treatments were placed with the seed. Foliar treatments were applied 30 May and repeated 9 Jun with a CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer delivering 30 gal/acre at 40 psi through 8002 flat-fan nozzles. The pegging treatment was applied 30 Jun using a Noble metering unit mounted on a bicycle-wheeled granular applicator. Peanuts were otherwise managed using standard agronomic practices. Thrips control was evaluated by determining the abundance of damaged leaflets/plot. Sampling was conducted on four dates: 31 May and 9, 14, and 23 Jun. Fifty newly-opened leaflets/plot were randomly selected and examined for thrips damage. The number of damaged leaflets was recorded.