Solutions sought to protect valuable blueberries from citrus thrips

A blueberry growers in the San Joaquin Valley reported that citrus thrips were causing extensive damage to their crops, a research team led by UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor David Haviland developed monitoring and treatment guidelines to help growers avoid using unnecessary pesticides. In 2006, Haviland and his research team began a 3-year study of citrus thrips damage to blueberries with funding from the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. “Citrus thrips are best known for the scarring damage they cause to navel oranges in the San Joaquin Valley, but with the recent plantings of blueberries, this pest has taken damage to a whole new level,” Haviland says. UC blueberry researchers estimate that California has more than 4,500 acres of commercial blueberry plantings (see page 91). Most early blueberry acreage planted in California is on smaller farms, while larger parcels are currently being converted.