Effects of Prescribed Fire on Pear Thrips in Pennsylvania Sugarbushes

Abstract

Fall and spring prescribed fires were conducted in two Pennsylvania sugarbushes to evaluate the effects of fire on the emergence of overwintering pear thrips from the soil. Soil temperatures and numbers of emerging pear thrips were monitored in the burned and unburned areas at 2-day intervals from mid-March until early May 1991. At both sites, fall fires accelerated soil warming, resulting in an earlier peak emergence of the thrips. The fall and spring fires also significantly reduced the number of thrips emerging from the soil. These results suggest the potential for controlling pear thrips infestations in sugarbushes with prescribed fire, although fire impacts on sugar maple need to be addressed before this technique can be widely recommended. North. J. Appl. For. 9(4):157-160.