On Sept 13, a field day was held at Lindcove Research and Extension Center to discuss citrus thrips biology and management.  We utilized the mobile laboratory for a powerpoint presentation and to support microscopes that showed various stages of citrus thrips and flower thrips.  We also visited a pesticide spray trial to talk about efficacy of various pesticides.

Take home messages: 

• The immature stages of citrus thrips are the most damaging
• In mature trees, protect fruit not foliage
• In young trees, be careful of spraying too much or you will select the thrips for resistance
• Thrips are tough to control in drought years

The entomology lab at Lindcove is going to start monitoring for resistance this fall.
If you have sites that have thrips that you would like tested, contact Joshua Reger jereger@ucanr.edu.