Seasonal abundance and the use of an action threshold for western flower thrips, in a cut carnation greenhouse

Abstract

A 2-year greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal population dynamics and use of an action threshold for western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) in cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). An action threshold of 20 thrips/card/week was adopted to time insecticide applications. The highest numbers of thrips were caught on blue-colored sticky cards from May through September whereas the lowest thrips numbers were present from November through March 1994 and 1995. Thrips numbers based on sticky card counts, from December through March for both years were below the action threshold and as a result, no insecticides were applied. Thrips abundance on blue sticky cards was significantly correlated with both numbers of thrips in flowers and a subjective ranking of flower quality. Seasonal patterns of both insecticide use and numbers of damaged flowers closely followed patterns of thrips abundance found on blue sticky cards. Our findings are the first to demonstrate, based on a case study over a 2-year period, that routinely scouting for thrips throughout the year can lead to fewer insecticide applications and thus possible cost savings in labor and insecticide purchases. This study suggests that sticky cards can be an effective tool for reducing insecticide applications in regions of the U.S. where there are seasonal fluctuations of thrips abundance.