- Author: Neil McRoberts
The first generation of post-winter adult thrips were expected to peak (i.e. reach maximum size) on March 28th. We are currently projecting that peak egg hatch for generation 2 will occur around April 16th. Generation 2 juveniles from that egg hatch will be the first opportunity for thrips feeding on tomato to acquire TSWV if there is any present. Given the very low levels of TSWV in planting material the risk of this happening is likely to be low. The recent period of unsettled weather will give way to more stable, warmer conditions next week with temperatures in the mid to high 70s. We can expect thrips activity to start to increase under these conditions. At this point in the season we are 4 days ahead of 2012 and the 9 days ahead of the 30 year average for accumulation of thrips degree days. This suggests that thrips activity may be slightly higher than average in the early part of the season and the situation should be monitored for early signs of TSWV.