This week’s tobacco thrips numbers are up slightly compared to last week. The NC State thrips dispersal model predicts that the fourth generation of tobacco thrips will occur around 18 May in Tift County. The numbers of “other” thrips are up on the traps and range from less than 10 to over 240 per trap (average = 35/trap).
We were finally able to get into the field last week, and with eight days of good planting weather we now have all of our thrips trials in the ground. Peanuts that were planted early last week are up, and depending on weather, we will be checking them today or tomorrow for thrips. The 3 plus inches of rain we received last night will put a hold on planting, and it will be interesting to see how/if it will affect thrips populations.
These data are being provided for informational purposes only and may not be representative of thrips dispersal at your location. Peanut fields should be scouted regularly to quantify actual thrips populations.
If you have questions about thrips or thrips management please contact your local county Extension agent.
*See 22 April post for a map of trap locations.
