Role of insecticides in vertically integrated IPM program for thrips in fruiting vegetables

Role of Insecticides in Vertically Integrated IPM Program for Thrips in Fruiting Vegetables

Mrittunjai Srivastava¹, Joe Funderburk¹, Stuart Reitz², and Steve Olson¹

¹NFREC, IFAS, University of Florida, 155 Research Road, Quincy, FL 32351

²USDA-ARS-CMAVE Tallahassee, FL

Abstract

The spread of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), resulted in the worldwide destabilization of established integrated pest management programs for many crops. Efforts to control the pest and the thrips-vectored tospoviruses with calendar applications of broad-spectrum insecticides have been unsuccessful. The result has been a classic 3-R situation: resistance to numerous insecticides, resurgence of the western flower thrips populations as a result of natural predators and native competitor thrips being eliminated, and replacement by various other pests. Here we report on integrated pest management programs for fruiting vegetables that are effective, economical, ecologically sound, and sustainable. The components include the following: define pest status (economic thresholds), increase biotic resistance (natural enemies and competition), integrate preventive and therapeutic tactics (scouting, ultraviolet-reflective technologies, biological control, compatible insecticides, companion plants, and fertility), vertically integrate the programs with other pests, and continuously communicate with end-users. The programs have been widely implemented in Florida, and have significantly improved management of western flower thrips and thrips-transmitted viruses.