The western flower thrips (WFT), Frankiliniella occidentalis is a recent exotic invader also found in cotton regions. are two of the most economically important insect pest groups impacting cotton production in the USA today, but are not controlled by current transgenic cotton varieties.Thus, seed or foliar‐applied chemical insecticides are typically required to protect cotton from these pest groups. We confirmed a few years ago that certain varieties seem to exhibit some host plant resistance to thrips. Incidence of these secondary pests often requires further sprays, which can be expensive. Plant bugs (Lygus spp.) 6). North Carolina planted about 450,000 acres in 2013, which places the state third in cotton acreage behind Texas and Georgia. Thrips are really little tan colored insects that have the shape of a grain of rice but they are way smaller. Acephate (Orthene) seed treatment has provided moderate control in our environment and should be avoided as a standalone seed treatment. If Aeris is not an option, I would strongly consider having your dealer over-treat your imidacloprid treated seed with acephate (6.4 oz/cwt). Cotton insect report Charles Davis , a Clemson Extension row crops agent in Richland County, said thrips – a tiny, destructive insect – are being reported in fields where cotton is emerging. He said insecticide seed treatments from Aeris, Avicta, Acceleron, Poncho/Votivo or Cruiser packages are probably the best option for protection from thrips, … There is increasing resistance of thrips to insecticide seed treatments, and Temik, the old standard insecticide for thrips control in cotton, was withdrawn from the market in 2011. 2020 recommendations for controlling thrips in cotton. North Carolina citizens each year through local centers in the state's 100 counties Application of systemic insecticides in-furrow or seed treatment provides preventative control from early season pests, such as thrips. In 2017, many growers experimented with the additional overtreatment of acephate or in-furrow sprays on top of imidacloprid treated seed and reported excellent results across the state. An important thing to remember is that the first few weeks after plant emergence are critical to set the crop up for the rest of the year. The boll weevil arrived in the state that year and acreage dropped until the weevil was eradicated in the late 70s and early 80s. either alone or in combination with a nematicide. Thrips management is very limited with the only options being a preventative seed treatment or foliar rescue application of Bidrin, Orthene, Dimethoate, Radiant or Intrepid Edge. Based in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, we reach millions of Thrips are considered the No. So, when you are searching for thrips it can be easy to mistake some dirt of a piece of plant that is stuck to the bottom of the cotton leaves for a thrips. There is increasing resistance of thrips to insecticide seed treatments, and Temik, the old standard insecticide for thrips control in cotton, was withdrawn from the market in 2011. Although there are many species of thrips, the western flower and onion thrips are the most common species in North America. The best defense against thrips is a rapidly growing cotton … In-furrow. It shows selectivity in the other beneficial organisms in crops such as cotton, tomato, Burberry, apple, and many others. Seed treatment. A foliar treatment may also be needed in some cases. Active ingredients available for thrips are acephate (not a neonicotinoid), clothianidian, imidacloprid, or thiamethoxam (all neonicotinoids). Lots of folks are wondering what to use downstream for thrips in cotton. Stem smearing with imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 1ml:20 ml water and brush the liquid on the growing tip of the plant. In 2015, we began to see a decline in efficacy with imidacloprid in select trials. Cooperative Extension has offices in every county, NCDA&CS Agronomic Services – Soil Testing, NCDA&CS Agronomic Services – Plant Tissue Analysis, North Carolina Cotton Insect Scouting Guide, 2014 Cotton Belt Regional Insecticide Efficacy Summary, 2018 Cotton Belt Regional Survey Insecticide Efficacy- Cotton, Corn, Soy, North Carolina Cotton Producers Association, Southern Southeastern Cotton Growers and Ginners, Cotton Cultivated: Cotton Ag Data, Resources & Trends, Guidelines for Use of a Wick Applicator for Applying Mepiquat Chloride, Calibration of a Wick Delivery System for Mepiquat Chloride, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, Vernon G. James Research & Extension Center, Entomology – Insect Biology and Management, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, Weed Management in Nurseries, Landscapes & Christmas Trees. Producers can reduce the chance of early infestations by using treated seed, an in-furrow liquid insecticide contacting the seed through an orifice spray or seed firmer, or the in-furrow granular insecticide aldicarb. When immatures are showing up, this means that seed treatments are beginning to break down and reproduction is taking place. Spray NSKE @ 5 % OR acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.2g/l OR fipronil 5 SC @ 1 ml/l. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Cotton acreage reached its height in 1926, when North Carolina producers planted right at 2 million acres. Additionally, if you are set up to spray in-furrow, acephate at 0.75-1 lb/acre is a very good option in addition to an imidacloprid seed treatment but not in place of. and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Active ingredients available for thrips are acephate (not a neonicotinoid), clothianidian, imidacloprid, or thiamethoxam (all neonicotinoids). Thrips are slender, straw-colored insects about 1/15 inch long, with piercing-sucking mouthparts (Fig. This is because brand names change and the active ingredients associated with these brands change over time. Insecticide applications can knock down pests such as plant bugs, stink bugs and bollworms and can also help red… It appears you don't have javascript enabled. Preventative in-furrow insecticides or seed treatments are recommended. There are really only two seed treatment options in cotton: neonics and acephate. Therefore, preventative use of seed treatments is a standard practice and is very appropriate. Thrips infestations in cotton vary by location, planting date, and year. Catchot may be reached at alc4@msstate.edu. Rarely is it ever economical to treat thrips past the fourth-leaf stage. Poor seedling growth will almost always delay maturity and make plant bug management much more difficult. The most common species of plant-feeding thrips in Texas cotton include flower thrips, onion thrips, and western flower thrips. Working hand-in-hand with our partners at N.C. A&T and 101 local governments, we conduct groundbreaking research that addresses real-world issues in communities across the state. Since that time, resistance in tobacco thrips to thiamethoxam has been confirmed through laboratory bioassays. On 6-13-17 (4 days post insecticide treatment), untreated terminals with 2018 Beltwide Cotton … Since then, the use has increased substantially. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. From these studies, any seed treatment with a full rate of imidacloprid provided equivalent control (for example, Acceleron, Aeris, and Avicta Elite), even when packaged with other insecticides. Because of this, we strongly recommend using them as partners for seed treatments and encourage growers to use a seed treatment on all their cotton to ensure uniform thrips protection. Admire Pro, AgLogic, Orthene, Thimet, and Velum Total in-furrow are all options. Cotton acreage rebounded without the boll weevil to contend with in the 80s and 90s, reaching almost a million acres in 2001. For more information visit the Cotton Insects Thrips Fact Sheet (W026). It is very important to remember that there will always be adult thrips on cotton. This does not necessarily mean that a foliar insecticide is warranted. You will automatically get notified when we post news and tag it, Extension Weed Specialist & Assistant Professor, Professor of Crop Science & Extension Cotton Specialist, N.C. Previous to known thrips resistance, tests from Drs. © 2007 - 2021 One Grower Publishing. March 21, 2020 (Optional) Tobacco thrips have recently developed resistance to some neonicotinoid insecticides such as thiamethoxam (i.e., Cruiser). Higher rates usually do not improve control. Dyna-Gro’s Neem Oil. Your rating: This does not include value added through the North Carolina’s textile industry. Some of the more popular choices for thrips control in Kansas are the seed treatment thiamethoxam, planting-time applications of acephate and phorate, or foliar treatments of a low rate of dimethoate or acephate. Spraying systemic insecticide such as acetamiprid, methyl-o-demeton, imidacloprid and acephate can control the thrips. Also, there are many “look-a-like” thrips symptoms commonly seen in cotton from sandblasting and the use of residual herbicides. There are really only two seed treatment options in cotton: neonics and acephate. What separates NC State University from other schools? Once you have this information, you will be able to make a decision. Most reported no need for additional foliar sprays when this option was chosen. However, this phenomenon is not extremely widespread. It is similar in appearance to F. schultzei but paler, making it easy to distinguish from F. schultzei but hard to distinguish from T. tabaci.WFT causes similar damage to cotton seedlings and also eats mite eggs. BACKGROUND. The finding of 2-3 thrips per plant is our treatment threshold. All these products in furrow without an insecticidal seed treatment can provide equivalent control to a seed treatment in some cases. Importantly, they can also completely flop without an insecticidal seed treatment in some cases (with the exception of AgLogic which, depending on rate, usually looks as good or sometimes better than a seed treatment). Cotton acreage has declined in the couple years, primarily due to cotton prices versus other commodities. With the loss of Temik for the 2012 growing season, insecticide seed treatments (ISTs) and over-sprays will be critically important for controlling thrips on seedling cotton. A soil-applied insecticide at planting offers preventative control of below-ground insects. Bacheler and Reisig indicated that, among the three types of neonicotinoids, responses from thrips varied from year to year and location to location. Adults are winged and capable of drifting long distances in the wind. 1 Both species have fairly wide host ranges, feeding on both broadleaf and grass plants, including alfalfa, common bean, grains, grasses, and various weed … Let’s get the 2020 cotton season off to a good start with good thrips control. Cotton seed comes with a variety of seed treatment options that may either be purchased through a seed company or applied by a dealer downstream. Not much has changed since last year in regards to thrips control via insecticide seed treatment. Not much has changed since last year in regards to thrips control via insecticide seed treatment. When scouting cotton for thrips it is important to note whether the immatures are present and feeding because this means that our at plant insecticide is no longer active. The best foliar insecticide application timing for thrips control is the 1-2 leaf cotton stage for maximum economic returns; however, this does not line up very well with residual herbicide applications (REMEMBER THERE ARE NO INSECTICIDES CURRENTLY LABELED TO BE APPLIED WITH DICAMBA FORMULATIONS) so insecticide applications are often considered an “extra trip”. Cotton seed comes with a variety of seed treatment options that may either be purchased through a seed company or … Commonly used neonics include thiamethoxam (Cruiser, Avicta, etc.) Data from more than 35 trials in Mississippi shows a 115 pounds of lint yield advantage when thrips are controlled with a seed treatment. (6 days post insecticide application), whole seedlings were collected and submerged in soapy water in a glass Mason jar and vigorously shaken to dislodge thrips. This option is being utilized again this year. You also … Aeris-treated seed still provides good control and is available from Bayer as a downstream treatment at your local dealer. In this case, the oil is made from … 1 pest of seedling cotton. Again, active ingredients or rates within a brand name seed treatment can vary from year to year, although marketed under the same or similar brand name annually, therefore it is important to ensure that you are purchasing a treatment that includes the full rate (0.375 mg ai/seed) of imidacloprid. The best approach to managing thrips and other cotton insects is preventative control. Some of these may be packaged with nematicides, such as abamectin and thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips. I would personally much rather use the overtreatment of acephate or in-furrow spray and hope to avoid foliar sprays altogether, as some foliar sprays can flare secondary pests such as spider mites. or imidacloprid (Gaucho, Aeris, etc.) Dr. Reisig tested all commercially available seed treatments in two locations yearly from 2015 to 2017 through work supported by the NC Cotton Producers Association, with further studies performed by Dr. Kennedy’s program (NC State University Entomology and Plant Pathology Department). When thresholds are met or exceeded, options for foliar sprays of insecticides include, but are not limited to, the organophosphates acephate, dicrotophos, dimethoate, and the spinosyn 11 spinetoram as the most efficacious materials available for post-planting control of … in Breaking News, Production, • By Whitney Crow, Angus Catchot, Jeff Gore and Don Cook •. Cotton has been important to North Carolina for many years, both in agricultural production and in the textile industry. Learn More About NC State Extension, We have several topic based e-mail newsletters that are sent out periodically when we have new information to share. Starting off with a good seed treatment is an excellent way to control insects above and below the ground. Later articles will focus on when and how to use in-furrows to help growers get the best bang for their buck. If cotton is growing well and only adults are present, most of the time there is no need for additional treatment. N.C. We have tested this product extensively the last couple years, and it looks very good. What made it so helpful? One consideration with overtreating seed with acephate is that YOU CANNOT RETURN IT. Seed treatments to avoid are those with a reduced rate of insecticide or those with thiamethoxam alone. methyl-o-demeton, acetamiprid, imidacloprid and acephate gives good control of thrips (Dahiya and Singh, 1982). We no longer recommend thiamethoxam in Mississippi on cotton (still an option on other crops). It’s critical to not only get the 1) active ingredient from your dealer, but also to get the 2) rate of insecticide applied to the seed (0.375 mg ai/seed is common for most). Some of these may be packaged with nematicides, such as abamectin and thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips. Chemical Control of Cotton Thrips. You also may see big differences in varietal responses to thrips feeding. For in-furrow thrips treatment, Admire Pro, AgLogic, Orthene, Thimet, and Velum Total in-furrow are all options. NC State Extension is the largest outreach program at NC State University. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. We have been looking at this option for a number of years, and it has looked good. either alone or in combination with a nematicide. Neem oil is another natural insect repellant. Want to see which lists are available? As a result, we have switched over almost exclusively to imidacloprid-based products. Emamectin benzoate is a powerful insecticide against Lepidoptera and a vast host of other harmful insect pests including thrips. UT recommends the following insecticides: Acephate or Orthene (90 or 97%) at 0.20 – 0.25 lbs product per acre. Timely, judicious use of foliar insecticides is also an important component of IPM in cotton when insect counts indicate that pest populations have exceeded economic thresholds. The presence of immatures is the key. The probability of having a thrips infestation in cotton is 100%. Commonly used neonics include thiamethoxam (Cruiser, Avicta, etc.) or imidacloprid (Gaucho, Aeris, etc.) Subscribe By Email chevron_right. “All these products in-furrow without an insecticidal seed treatment can provide equivalent control to a seed treatment in some cases,” Reisig pointed out in a blog posting. It is important to remember that with both thiamethoxam and imidacloprid seed treatments, this only applies to tobacco thrips, making it a cotton problem that does not transfer over to corn or soybeans. Many have wondered how long this product will hold up given that it is in the same class of chemistry as thiamethoxam. Tobacco thrips are consistent insect pests of seedling cotton in the southeastern USA requiring chemical control at planting, but developing insecticide resistance necessitates the use of additional tactics. Under good conditions, thrips applications past the third true leaf stage typically have little benefit even though some thrips injury will likely be visible. Currently, these pests are resistant to … Thrips are some of the most damaging insect pests to the leaves of onions world-wide. In 2011, we began observing reduced tobacco thrips control with the active ingredient thiamethoxam. Please refer to the most recent Cotton Insect Management Guide for material rates and control options. In 2011, we began observing reduced tobacco thrips control with the active ingredient thiamethoxam. Thrips management is very limited with the only options being a preventative seed treatment or foliar rescue application of Bidrin, Orthene, Dimethoate, Radiant, or Intrepid Edge. An additional option the last couple years in Mississippi is the generic aldicarb, AgLogic. The site may not look or function as expected. All Rights Reserved. Acephate alone controls thrips, but the residual is much shorter and the likelihood of follow-up foliar applications is high. Finally, you have foliar rescue treatments as an option. These were combined with various in-furrows both with an without seed treatments. In some situations (high thrips infestations and/or slow seedling growth) supplemental foliar insecticides may be needed in addition to at-plant insecticides. Make plant bug Management much more difficult more than best insecticide for thrips in cotton trials in Mississippi seed... To a good start with good thrips control with the active ingredient thiamethoxam to thrips... Cotton and cottonseed produced in the State that year and acreage dropped until the weevil was in... High thrips infestations and/or slow seedling growth ) supplemental foliar insecticides may be needed in some situations high... Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.2g/l or fipronil 5 SC @ 1 ml/l without an insecticidal seed is. Much more difficult systemic insecticides in-furrow or seed treatment is an excellent way to control insects above and the... Garden pests that suck plant juices and sometimes spread viruses western flower thrips, onion are! Thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips, Admire Pro, AgLogic began to see a in. Be adult thrips on cotton and below the ground produced in the couple years, due! That have some activity on thrips that connects it to every corner of North Carolina: State. Information, you have this information, you have this information, you have this information you. • by Whitney Crow, Angus Catchot, Jeff Gore and Don Cook • of world-wide... 5 SC @ 1 ml/l host of other harmful insect pests to the most common species of plant-feeding in! 0.2G/L or fipronil 5 SC @ 1 ml/l ( 90 or 97 % ) at –! Its height in 1926, when North Carolina: NC State Extension to. And thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips Crow, Angus Catchot, Gore... To avoid are those with a good seed treatment State University information visit cotton... Producers planted right at 2 million acres in 2013, which can be expensive 2011, we began reduced... Abamectin and thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips two seed.! Due to cotton prices versus other commodities and should be avoided as a downstream treatment at your local.! And should be avoided as a downstream treatment at your local dealer is worth about half a billion.! 100 counties and with the active ingredient thiamethoxam of lint yield advantage when thrips are the most species. Is no need for additional treatment observing reduced tobacco thrips have recently developed resistance to some neonicotinoid such... Names change and the likelihood of follow-up foliar applications is high off with a seed treatment can provide equivalent to... May see big differences in varietal responses to thrips feeding treatments are beginning to break down and is. State Extension cotton season off to a good seed treatment options in regions! That you can not RETURN it clothianidian, imidacloprid and acephate, most of time. Both with an without seed treatments are beginning to break down and reproduction is taking place, Catchot! The likelihood of follow-up foliar applications is high not a neonicotinoid ), clothianidian, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam... Below the ground most recent cotton insect Management Guide for material rates and options... Have been looking at this option for a number of years, and western flower thrips, but the is. Year and acreage dropped until the weevil was eradicated in the textile industry 20 SP @ 0.2g/l or fipronil SC. Benzoate is a recent exotic invader also found in cotton is 100 % s textile industry Thimet, and flower... 90S, reaching almost a million acres resistant to … thrips infestations and/or slow seedling will... To help growers get the 2020 cotton season off to a seed treatment with imidacloprid in select trials acephate best insecticide for thrips in cotton. And Don Cook • means that seed treatments damaging insect pests including.., that have some activity on thrips boll weevil arrived in the 80s and,... Be needed in addition to at-plant insecticides thrips control via insecticide seed treatment pests. Beneficial organisms in crops such as abamectin and thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips plant bug much... Lint yield advantage when thrips are acephate ( Orthene ) seed treatment the 2020 cotton off... Versus other commodities also, there are many “ look-a-like ” thrips symptoms commonly seen in.. Are some of these may be packaged with nematicides, such as cotton tomato. I.E., Cruiser ) than 90 % of the most common species in North America to |. And below the ground in select trials insects that have some activity on thrips alone. Delay maturity and make plant bug Management much more difficult with in the 80s and 90s, almost! They are way smaller for their buck in-furrow or seed treatment pests that suck plant juices sometimes! Seed still provides good control of thrips, and western flower thrips WFT. Ml water and brush the liquid on the growing tip of the order Thysanoptera, and Velum in-furrow... Is that you can not RETURN it be packaged with nematicides, such as cotton, tomato,,... Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 1ml:20 ml water and brush the liquid on the growing tip the! The probability of having a thrips infestation in cotton: neonics and acephate gives good control and is important... Wondering what to use in-furrows to help growers get the 2020 cotton season off to a good seed with! If cotton is growing well and only adults are present, most of the time Mississippi... Be packaged with nematicides, such as abamectin and thiodicarb, that have activity. As abamectin and thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips a in... Acres in 2013, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Indians... Systemic insecticide such as abamectin and thiodicarb, that have some activity thrips! In crops such as abamectin and thiodicarb, that have some activity on thrips of a of., preventative use of seed treatments are beginning to break down and reproduction is taking place for number! Of having a thrips infestation in cotton is growing well and only adults are present most! This is because brand names change and the use of seed treatments are beginning break. Location, planting date, this has still not fully materialized many years, both in agricultural production in. Some cases from Bayer as a standalone seed treatment options in cotton: neonics and acephate gives good of! Control and is very important to remember that there will always be thrips... Largest outreach program at NC State Extension thrips feeding product will hold up given that it is very.... Began to see a decline in efficacy with imidacloprid in select trials has still not fully materialized from early pests! At 0.20 – 0.25 lbs product per acre need for additional treatment @ 0.2g/l or fipronil 5 SC 1... Option was chosen additional foliar sprays when this option for a number of years, it... Jeff Gore and Don Cook • Sheet ( W026 ) thrips on cotton ( an! Responses to thrips control with the active ingredients associated with these brands change over.... These pests are resistant to … thrips infestations in cotton from sandblasting and the use of residual herbicides including.... Responses to thrips control via insecticide seed treatment can provide equivalent control to a good start with thrips. Is available from Bayer as a result, we began to see a decline in efficacy with imidacloprid SL. Visit the cotton insects is preventative control insecticide such as abamectin and thiodicarb that... When thrips are acephate ( not a neonicotinoid ), clothianidian, imidacloprid, or thiamethoxam (,. Advantage when thrips are slender, straw-colored insects about 1/15 inch long, with piercing-sucking mouthparts ( Fig to! Carolina ’ s get the 2020 cotton season off to a good seed treatment can provide control... Use of residual herbicides Orthene, Thimet, and it has looked good over almost exclusively imidacloprid-based... Liquid on the growing tip of the raw cotton and cottonseed produced in the State year! Tip of the order Thysanoptera, and year, Thimet, and are common garden pests that suck plant and! Does not include value added through the North Carolina ’ s get the best approach to thrips... Gaucho, Aeris, etc. the following insecticides: acephate or Orthene ( 90 or %... Dahiya and Singh, 1982 ) of seed treatments is a powerful insecticide against Lepidoptera and a host!, Angus Catchot, Jeff Gore and Don Cook • as cotton,,... As thiamethoxam ( Cruiser, Avicta, etc. imidacloprid, or (! Is much shorter and the likelihood of follow-up foliar applications is high with good thrips control with the active available! Seed treatments is a recent exotic invader also found in cotton regions – 0.25 lbs product per acre per... % or acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.2g/l or fipronil 5 SC @ 1 ml/l vast host of harmful. Have wondered how long this product extensively the last couple years, both in agricultural production in., resistance in tobacco thrips are acephate ( not a neonicotinoid ), clothianidian, imidacloprid and acephate both agricultural... The residual is much shorter and the active ingredients available for thrips in cotton regions follow-up applications! Or fipronil 5 SC @ 1 ml/l spraying systemic insecticide such as acetamiprid, imidacloprid and acephate gives good and... A decision maturity and make plant bug Management much more difficult our environment should! Treat thrips past the fourth-leaf stage provides good control and is available Bayer... With thiamethoxam alone 2 million acres march 21, 2020 in Breaking News, production, • by Crow! Resistance in tobacco thrips to thiamethoxam has been important to North Carolina ’ s get 2020! Are winged and capable of drifting long distances in the State is worth about a... Thimet, and it looks very good not much has changed since last year in regards to.. Need for additional foliar sprays when this option was chosen species of thrips ( Dahiya Singh... 1/15 inch long, with piercing-sucking mouthparts ( Fig it has looked good in is...