We have been running thrips models (link) across Alabama for the last 10-14 days to get a sense for what pressure will be like this year. Heading into my 4th crop in Alabama, this is the easiest it has ever been to summarize the models across the state.
Across South Alabama (models run in Baldwin, Escambia,
Coffee and Henry Counties), the Thrips Model is predicting a near “normal”
situation with the highest risk being for April planted cotton and basically
cotton planted after May 1st being at a low risk.
In Central Alabama (models run in Dallas and Autauga
Counties), the model predicts April planted cotton to be at the highest risk
and cotton planted after about May 10th at the lowest risk.
In North Central Alabama (models run in Pickens and
Talladega Counties), things are a little different from East to West. In
Pickens County, the highest risk is for early April planted cotton, but
elevated risks run through about May 10th. In Talladega
County, the highest risk of thrips pressure is from about April 25th
through about May 10th, cotton planted after about May 15th
is at the lowest risk across North Central Alabama.
In North Alabama (models run in Lauderdale, Limestone and
Cherokee Counties), cotton planted in May is at the highest risk. The model is
currently predicting the highest thrips pressure since at least 2018, with 2021
being the closest pressure. As of now, it does not appear any cotton will be
at low risk in North Alabama.
With the models in mind, what are we going to do about
thrips in 2023? We recently posted a blog with thoughts on thrips management.
You can read it here.
To summarize our post, effective thrips management is important to get the crop
off to a fast, vigorous start. The best way to manage thrips is to use
a recommended insecticide at-plant insecticide (IST or
in-furrow) or ThryvOn cotton. Foliar insecticides are meant to
supplement at-plant treatments, not replace them.
For more information on thresholds and insecticide
recommendations, visit the Alabama Cotton IPM Guide (IPM-0415). To stay up-to-date on the Alabama cotton insect situation,
subscribe to the Alabama Cotton Shorts Newsletter,
Alabama Crops Report Newsletter and Podcast,
and the Syngenta Pest Patrol Hotline. As always,
if we can be of any help, don’t hesitate to reach out (Scott Graham:
662-809-3368; Ron Smith: 334-332-9501).
Thrips Model Locations