Neonicotinoid Resistance in Tobacco Thrips: Past, Present and Future – Best Management Practices and Recommendations

There have been reports of reduced efficacy against thrips by the neonicotinoid seed treatments for the past several years.  Several possible reasons for this change in efficacy were evaluated in 2013.  Frankliniella fusca, tobacco thrips, were evaluated in 2013 and 2014 for a change in susceptibility to the neonicotinoid insecticides compared to a laboratory susceptible colony.  Significant lower levels of mortality were observed with some of the field collected tobacco thrips compared to the laboratory susceptible colony.  Best management practices for management of tobacco thrips and insecticide resistance management strategies will be discussed.