Poster presentation.

J. David Griffin and Michael D. Toews, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Tifton Campus.

Thrips in the genus Frankliniella are widely recognized as serious pests of seedling cotton throughout the cotton belt.  Heavy thrips infestations may cause a delay crop maturity, reduce yields, and stand loss.  This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two commonly used seed treatments (Gaucho 600 FS and Cruiser 5FS), in-furrow treatments of Temik 15G (3.5 lb/acre and (5.25 lb/acre), and an untreated control for early season thrips management.  Thrips populations and seedling damage were evaluated at 14, 21, and 28 days after planting by counting the number of individuals on 5 plants per plot and estimating damage by visual assessment.  Tobacco thrips was the most common species recovered, followed by western flower thrips, and flower thrips.  Statistically, fewer thrips were recovered in all treatments compared to the untreated control.  Visual assessments suggested that Temik 15 G provided slightly better control at 21 days after planting than Gaucho 600 FS and Cruiser 5FS.