Evaluation of insecticides for curative, preventative and rotational use on Scirtothrips dorsalis South Asia 1 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Authors: KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida; KAKKAR, GARIMA - University Of Florida; SEAL, DAKSHINA - University Of Florida; McKenzie, Cindy; OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Pest Management Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/23/2017
Publication Date: 9/1/2017
Citation: Kumar, V., Kakkar, G., Seal, D.R., McKenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2017. Evaluation of insecticides for curative, preventative and rotational use on Scirtothrips dorsalis South Asia 1 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Florida Entomologist. 100(3):634-646.

Interpretive Summary: The chilli thrips is a species complex comprised of at least nine different species, two of which exist in the United States and one (South Asia 1 species) of which is widely distributed in the United States. The current study was conducted with an objective to integrate chemical and biorational insecticides with different modes of action (MOA) in the management program of the South Asia 1 species. Conventional insecticides showed promising results in suppressing this pest. Some unconventional insecticides were also effective. In order to guard against resistance developing to insecticides, growers need to consider integrating a combination of management tactics against the pest including biological control, and they should rotate effective chemistries from different MOA as suggested in our study.

Technical Abstract: The chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood is a cryptic species complex of at least nine different species, two (South Asia 1 and East Asia 1) of which exists in the United States. In order to integrate chemical and biological insecticides in the preventive and therapeutic tactics used for Scirtothrips dorsalis (S. dorsalis), we evaluated 10 different conventional and novel insecticides and three mycoinsecticides against South Asia 1 species. Conventional insecticides, spinetoram and acetamiprid (foliar) and imidacloprid (foliar and drench applications) were found to be efficacious in reducing S. dorsalis populations in both curative and prophylactic situations. Among novel chemistries foliar and drench applications of flupyradifurone, thiamethoxam, and premix formulation of chlorantraniliprole plus thiamethoxam showed promising results, whereas foliar application of clothianidin and tolfenpyrad was found effective. In the bio-insecticide rotation field trial, Requiem and three entomopathogens when alternated with spinteoram, effectiveness of these treatments were comparable to the spinetoram treatment. Knowing that S. dorsalis South Asia 1 species is a serious pest of several economically important crops in multiple counties of Florida and Texas, and an emerging pest in California, this study is important in providing vegetable and ornamental growers with a range of effective insecticides having different modes of action that can be rotated to suppress S. dorsalis and delay the evolution of insecticide resistance. It would also encourage the retention of effective chemistries for a longer period in the marketplace.