- Author: Neil McRoberts
This post covers two separate regions where peppers may be subject to damage from TSWV - in the Dixon area along the Yolo/Solano Co line and in the area between Gilroy and Hollister around the Santa Clara/San Benito Co line.
Dixon area
The first generation of thrips post winter are mainly still maturing and we are projecting the peak of adult numbers by around March 26th. We are currently expecting peak egg hatch for generation 2 around April 20th but if the forecast cooler and wet weather does occur development will be delayed and there may be considerable mortality and thrips numbers will be held in check somewhat. So far we have no reports of TSWV in other susceptible crops in the area so immediate risk of infection as direct seeding gets under way is low.
Gilroy/Hollister area
The first generation of adult thrips post winter is peaking now and we are projecting the peak of egg hatch for generation 2 around April 6th. The second generation of adults will peak sometime around April 29th. As with projections for other areas and other crops if the forecast cooler and wet weather does occur, thrips development will be delayed and there may be considerable mortality. If the cool wet weather persists thrips numbers will be held in check somewhat. The immediate risk of TSWV is low.