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Thrips are a microscopic pest that live near the calyx of the flower in citrus trees. Once the fruit starts to size, the pests move from the flower to feed on the top of the fruit, leaving a circular scar around the top. As the fruit grows, the scar cascades down the side, creating a large blemish. Thrips are a devastating pest in citrus and can result in 50% damage if left untreated. They cause cosmetic damage to the out- side of the fruit, and a really significant scar could prevent the fruit from getting larger. Thrips are a heat-loving pest that en- joys 90-plus degrees and dry weather. The warmer growing regions have more prob- lems with this pest because of the heat. These areas will generally see earlier pop- ulations, plus they’ll be more persistent with the heat, requiring more chemical treatments throughout the season. Normally, the season runs from February to May/June. In high-pressure areas, three spray applications may be necessary to control thrips. Growers in cooler areas
may not have to spray for thrips because of the weather. During the drought, thrips were much more active. Growers did applications ear- lier, and the pest lasted longer. Chemical applications were generally across all the regions during the drought. Last year, the desert regions of Southern California had less activity compared to the drought due to more moisture. This result- ed in fewer spray applications, and most growers only made one application. There are a number of materials available to treat thrips, and chemical manufactur- ers are constantly releasing new products because of the economic impact thrips have on citrus. While there are a lot of con- ventional chemicals to control thrips, there are fewer organic sprays. Because there are so many conventional spray applications made during the sea- son, it’s important to rotate chemistries because resistance is always a concern with thrips.
PEST CONTROL ADVISOR
What is the thrip danger for citrus trees?
Chris Boisseranc Southwest Ag Consulting, Redlands
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March 13, 2024 Ag Alert 11
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