Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations remain low across the South Florida region, except for a few fields in Homestead, Florida, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
Even though ABTs were observed in southeastern Hendry County, they were only at a rate of 0.2 per bloom. Populations are reported at less than 0.1 per bloom in Clewiston, Florida.
Scouting did not yield any ABT reports in western or central Hendry County or in southern Glades County.
ABT populations continue to decrease in Homestead. Other thrips species are dominating the agricultural landscape in that region, other than a few locations where ABT is prevalent.
It is important to limit the use of those active ingredients that have demonstrated effectiveness in ABT management. This will keep multiple tools available for management. These ingredients include methomyl (Lannate), spinetoram (Radiant), acetamiprid (Assail), cyantraniliprole (Exirel), and abamectin (Agri-Mek). If other insecticides cannot be substituted for these materials to manage other target pests, these materials should be rotated with multiple modes of action. This will reduce the likelihood of resistance development.
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