According to the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations continue to vary throughout south Florida. The highest populations were detected in south Hendry County, though populations were very low in the Palm Beach County region.
In south Hendry County, infestations were numbered at 0.2 adult per bloom. Larvae have been observed at various locations, suggesting a potential increase in the area over the next couple of weeks. Traps in the area numbered 0.2 ABT per trap considerably down from last year’s 4.6.
ABT populations were up to 0.1 per bloom in the Moore Haven area. No ABT were recorded in that area a week ago. There were less than 0.1 ABT per bloom seen in Loxahatchee and also in south Collier County, marking the first time ABT have been reported in south Collier County.
No ABT adults were observed at the Lee/Collier line.
Scouts in Homestead, Florida continue to report ABT have been at estimated thresholds since the start of the production season. ABT appear to migrate onto the crop around bud stage. Populations have increased over recent weeks. Intensive insecticide programs are needed to minimize grower losses.
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