South Florida farms had record levels of Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations last week. Others experienced a reduction in thrips counts, however.
According to the University of Florida/IFAS, farms in southeastern Hendry County reported infestations as low as 0.2 ABT per bud and between 0.1 and 0.2 ABT per bloom (at full bloom) but were as high as 1.9 ABT per bud and 6.2 ABT per bloom (at full bloom). This is the highest reported population levels at this stage in Hendry County and may lead to yield loss.
ABT populations at this location in the previous cycle of Dec. 18 were just 0.1 ABT per bloom at full bloom.
In central Hendry County, populations increased, but there was a wide range of 0.2 to 0.8 ABT per bloom at full bloom, while in northern Collier County, ABT was reported at 0.2 ABT per bloom in plantings at full bloom, with most plantings already harvested.
In eastern Palm Beach County, reports indicate background populations have steadied between 0.1 and 0.3 ABT per bloom amid aggressive insecticide programs.
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