WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS

摘要

When speaking with growers these days about pest issues, western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a pest that comes up again and again. This little insect that is native to the western United States, has become one of the hardest pests for commercial growing operations to control. But why is this? First, a portion of western flower thrips' (WFT) life cycle is spent in the soil. Most growers using spray treatments only target the crops' foliage. While this may be effective for adults andfirst and second instar larvae, foliar applications leave the pupa and pre-pupae thrips in the soil untreated. Secondly, the very nature of WFTs behavior makes them a tricky target. These tiny insects hide in the flower buds and other crevices that are hard to reach with contact insecticides.