CITRUS THRIPS CONTROL IN SOUTHERN HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRIES IN CALIFORNIA, 2008

In the summer of 2008, we conducted a field trial to evaluate the effects of insecticides on citrus thrips in blueberries. Citrus thrips feeding causes curled discolored leaves, shortened internodes, and decreased fruiting wood quality for the following season. This trial evaluated the effects of insecticides on the numbers of thrips found on the blueberry foliage. A 3.8 acre portion of a mature blueberry field near Richgrove, Kern Co., CA was divided into 48 plots, each 4 rows (44 ft) by 58 ft long. Each contained two rows (rows 2 and 3) planted to the variety ‘Star’. The other two rows (1 and 4) were planted to either the variety ‘Santa Fe’ or the variety ‘Jubilee’. Blueberry bushes of all varieties were approximately 5 ft in height. Plots were organized into a RCBD with 4 blocks of 11 treatments and an untreated check. Treatments were applied at 100 gpa on 6 Aug 2008 using a commercial, wrap-around sprayer capable of treating two rows at a time. Nozzles on each boom were directed towards the blueberry canopy and penetration was facilitated by fans on each boom.