Controlling citrus thrips ensures healthier and more valuable crop

The telltale ring scarring on navel oranges and other citrus is the work of citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri, a pest that can have a major economic impact on fresh-market crops. Controlling citrus thrips is essential to protecting fruit quality and the accompanying price premium.

With citrus thrips, the second-instar larvae do the most damage, feeding mainly under young fruit sepals. As the fruit grows, the damage moves outward, creating the familiar ring-shaped scarring. Fruit is most susceptible to thrip damage after petal fall and until it’s about 1½ inches in diameter. As a result, control treatment made at petal fall is most effective.

DuPont Exirel insect control powered by Cyazypyr provides a unique mode of action against citrus thrips, as well as a cross-spectrum of sucking and chewing pests, including aphids, Asian citrus psyllid and citrus leafminer. Exirel protects foliage and fruit from insect feeding so trees can produce a healthier, better looking crop.

Used at a rate of 16 to 20.5 fluid ounces per acre plus adjuvant, Exirel can stop the insects feeding fast. It moves into leaves and redistributes as leaves expand, for long-lasting control. It also provides selective control of pests that feed on the plant tissue without disrupting most beneficial populations.

source: growingproduce.com