Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #295271
Title: A stimulo-deterrent method of thrips and Tomato spotted wilt virus management in tomatoes

Author
item TYLER-JULIAN, K - University Of Florida
item FUNDERBURK, J - University Of Florida
item OLSON, S - University Of Florida
item PARET, M - University Of Florida
item Webster, Craig
item Adkins, Scott

Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2015
Publication Date: 4/1/2015
Citation: Tyler-Julian, K.A., Funderburk, J.E., Olson, S.M., Paret, M.L., Webster, C.G., Adkins, S.T. 2015. A stimulo-deterrent method of thrips and Tomato spotted wilt virus management in tomatoes. Acta Horticulturae. 1069:251-258.

Interpretive Summary: The western flower thrips is an invasive thrips pest of tomatoes in the southeastern United States. This species causes crop loss to farmers by injuring fruits and vectoring Tomato spotted wilt virus. Previous attempts to control this species using calendar applications of broad-spectrum insecticides were ineffective. A new method of managing various pest insects in various crop systems has been developed: The push-pull or stimulo-deterrent method of pest management.

Technical Abstract: Tomato spotted wilt virus remains a serious economic limitation to the production of tomatoes in the southeastern U.S. more than 20 years after its appearance. The thrips vectors of TSWV also remain difficult to manage. The current study tested various combinations of ultraviolet-reflective and black mulches, applications of kaolin clay, and companion plantings for thrips management in tomatoes in North Florida for two growing seasons.