On August 25, Lindcove Research Center hosted the first field event of year 2021! A field day was dedicated to discussing information on citrus thrips biology, damage, and management options available. Event kicked off by asking questions to the 42 participants about their pest management needs. Dr. Sandipa Gautam talked about citrus thrips biology and fruit scarring damage on different citrus varieties. Data on citrus thrips resistance to Delegate showed that resistance in San Joaquin Valley populations of citrus thrips is increasing and this is confirmed by PCA and grower observations. This year seemed to be a problem year for citrus thrips, with growers spraying up to five times to control thrips. Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell discussed citrus thrips trials screening different chemicals and emphasized the importance of using different class of pesticides for resistant management in citrus thrips. Participants observed thrips and the scarring damage caused by citrus thrips.

 Dr. Sandipa Gautam lecturing about citrus thrips

Dr. Grafton Cardwell talking about management options for citrus thrips

Participants observing citrus thrips

Observing thrips scarring and collecting percentage scar data for tangos and clementine's