EVALUATION OF INSECTICIDES FOR CONTROL OF WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS, 2010

Abstract

Trials were conducted during 2010 to determine the efficacy of insecticides in controlling western flower thrips. A colony of WFT reared on green beans for several years (presumed susceptible population) was used in this laboratory study. A stock solution at the 10x labeled rate was made for each product and then serial dilutions were made to obtain 2x, 1x, 0.5x, 0.1x, 0.01x and 0.001x concentrations. Green beans were cut into 2 cm lengths, the ends dipped in paraffin, and allowed to dry. Green bean sections were dipped into the appropriate concentration, allowed to air dry on a drying table, and then placed in 1 oz. souffle cusp (Solo®). Ten adult thrips were added to the cup and the cup was covered. At 24, 48, and 72 h, lids were removed and the condition of the thrips (dead or alive) determined. The chemicals evaluated and the concentration of the 1x rate were: Admire (12.45 ml/l), Assail (0.64 g/l), Belay (4.67 ml/l), Botaniguard (2.39 g/l), Brigade (3.32 ml/l), Conserve (0.86 ml/l), Coragen (7.56 ml/l), Flagship (1.32 ml/l), QRD 400 (10ml/l), and Sucrashield (10 ml/l). Data were subjected to analysis with ANOVA using SAS Proc GLM.