By Clint Thompson
The prolonged dry weather conditions in parts of Alabama have been conducive for insect populations to build up. One insect pest is a concern this time of year, especially for tomato growers, explains Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist.
“Right now, we are looking for some thrips,” Cremonez said. “They’re starting to show up in some areas of the state; northeast part; as the growers prepare to put the first tomatoes in the area. We have been collecting some in the traps already; most specifically around weedy parts or wooded areas.
“Also, the high pollen content in the air is facilitating that. The thrips love to feed on the pollen.”
Alabama farmers must be mindful of controlling western flower thrips, the major vectors of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). TSWV affects tomatoes, peppers and peanuts. Symptoms include stunting, bronzing, ring spots, necrosis and deformed fruit.
Whiteflies
Another insect that Alabama fruit and vegetable growers must be mindful of is whitefly. Whitefly infestations are significant because of their potential impact throughout the year. They typically migrate from winter vegetables to spring vegetables to agronomic crops, like cotton, to fall vegetables and back to winter vegetables. The buildup of whiteflies is concerning since their feeding injuries in vegetables can lead to virus transmission, including cucurbit leaf crumple virus, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, cucurbit chlorotic yellow virus, squash vein yellowing virus and tomato yellow leaf curl virus.
“I was in Florida last week. They have been having some problems with whiteflies which later on can start to migrate to the Panhandle and to South Alabama. If the weather continues like this with the early spring this year, that’s definitely going to be something we need to keep our eye out on,” Cremonez said.