2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): Evaluate the effectiveness of new classes of insecticides in managing thrips populations, reducing the incidence of tomato spotted wilt virus, and for their compatibility with natural enemies. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): The efficacy of alternative chemical insecticides and an insight on the mechanisms through which they suppress thrips feeding and TSWV incidence will be studied in detail through experiments. Experiments will also be conducted in the field in all three participating states. The feasibility of using new techniques and econometric analyses will also be conducted for all three participating states. The economic feasibility of utilizing these new chemicals in organic production will also be explored. 3.Progress Report: This project complements Objective 1 of the parent project by seeking to improve integrated pest management (IPM) programs for thrips and tomato spotted wilt virus. Tomato spotted wilt virus, a viral disease transmitted by thrips, is the most important pest problem for peanut producers in the southeastern USA. Growers have historically relied on broad spectrum organophosphate and carbamate insecticides to manage thrips and tomato spotted wilt in peanuts. However, these insecticides are in the process of being removed from the marketplace through the Food Quality and Protection Act. Therefore, scientists with USDA-ARS CMAVE and cooperators at the University of Georgia and Auburn University have initiated studies to determine if new, reduced-risk insecticides could supplant these more harmful insecticides. Field studies have been established in 2012 to assess the efficacy of these new insecticides in comparison with organophosphate and carbamate standards. The trials include 12 different insecticide treatments applied to both a tomato spotted wilt susceptible cultivar and a tolerant cultivar. Data are currently being collected and analyzed.