- Author: Neil McRoberts
Welcome to the thrips population update service for 2014.
General situation Thrips populations seem to have come through the cold dry winter in high numbers and the warm spring is seeing the projected development rates for populations along the length of the Central Valley running ahead of the 30 year average.
The first generation of post-winter thrips probably peaked in mid March. Peak egg hatch for the second generation was predicted approximately a week ago and second generation will peak in the next few days. These early generations of thrips are not a significant threat for spread of TSWV. For growers considering an insecticide to reduce thrips/TSWV risk the generations to target are generations 3, 4 or 5. For this part of the Valley, the current forecasts are:
Generation 3 adults projected to peak on May 24th. Control of this generation would require pesticide application in the 2 weeks prior to this date; i.e. in the window from May 10th through 24th.
Generation 4 adults projected to peak on June 19th. Control of this generation would require pesticide application in the 2 weeks prior to this date; i.e. in the window from June 5th through 19th.