Evaluation of Cyazypyr™, a Novel Cross-Spectrum Anthranilic Diamide Insecticide, for Control of Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Cotton; And Observations on Thrips Population Dynamics

Thrips are a well-known early season pest of cotton causing documented yield loss if not controlled. New insecticides have been developed which may aid in controlling thrips in cotton, but research is needed to evaluate their efficacy. This study evaluated one novel insecticide, cyantraniliprole (Cyazypyr^™, Dupont, Wilmington DE), in both field trials and laboratory bioassays (only field trial data will be presented).  In 2010 and 2011, Cyazypyr was applied as either a liquid in-furrow treatment or as a broadcast foliar spray.  Plant injury caused by thrips feeding was assessed weekly.  Immature and adult thrips populations were monitored weekly and adults were identified to species. In both years, Cyazypyr treatments reduced the severity of thrips injury to plants and numbers of adults and immatures.  In 2010, treatments also resulted in higher lint yields compared with untreated controls (2011 yield data were not available when this abstract was prepared). In additional studies, the population dynamics of adult thrips was observed based on continual sampling of adult thrips in two fields using 3x5 inch yellow sticky cards which were replaced weekly from May 2010 to April 2011.  Preliminary data indicate a cyclic rise and fall of the population with two distinct major peaks and numerous minor peaks. These data also indicate that a pseudo-biofix occurs in late October.  A similar biofix date is currently used in a population dynamics model developed at North Carolina State University which predicts adult emergence peaks for the following spring.