Evaluation of Organic Pesticides for Western Flower Thrips Management in Seedling Cotton: Effect On Plant Parameters

Western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)] is an important pest of seedling cotton. Seed treatments or foliar applications of various insecticides are common practices for managing this early-season cotton pest. However, available options for thrips management in organic cotton production systems are very limited. In a two-year study, several organic products were evaluated and compared to an untreated control for their potential efficacies in controlling thrips. Treatments were initialized during the week of cotton seed germination and applied weekly for three weeks thereafter. In conjunction with treatment applications, cotton was sampled weekly via absolute (plant washing) method. In addition to thrips densities, cotton seedling total (above and below soil surface) biomass, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll indices were recorded. Effect of these organic products on plant growth parameters will be discussed.