Education and Training to Increase Adoption of IPM for Western Flower Thrips Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, Norman C. Leppla, Amanda C. Hodges, and Joyce L. Merritt Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, IFAS, IPM Florida, Southern Plant Diagnostic Network

Education and Training to Increase Adoption of IPM for Western Flower Thrips Problem overview Completed education activities Upcoming programs and educational products Overall expected program outcome

Problem Overview Proper species level identification can be difficult - small size (adult is <1/10 in.) - hand lens - dissecting scope - compound microscope - sample to Distance Diagnostic and Identification System (DDIS) - sampling either with aspirator or white paint board Photo credit: Lance Osborne

Problem Overview Adult femaleLarva Western Flower Thrips – Frankliniella occidentalis Confusion with other species Photo credits: Joe Funderburk

Problem Overview Florida flower thrips Frankliniella bispinosa Melon thrips Thrips palmi Different Thrips spp. Tobacco thrips Frankliniella fusca Photo credit: Cheryle O’DonnellPhoto credit: Kelly Sims

Host Damage Suspect thrips damage may be found without the thrips Florida flower thripsTobacco thrips Photo credit: Hank Dankers Photo credit: Stuart Reitz

Host Damage Feeding damage can vary depending on the plant part - Damage on leaves and petals by WFT Photo credits: NCSU

Host Damage Virus vectors for tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) - Western flower thrips, Florida flower thrips, tobacco thrips - Symptoms vary depending on host species, cultivar, developmental stage, and environmental conditions Florida flower thrips Western flower thrips Photo credit: David SchusterPhoto credit: Hank Dankers

Resistance and IPM Pesticide resistance – WFT resistant to almost all insecticides; susceptible to spinosyns Integrated Pest Management can be difficult with multiple pests in various crop systems - Pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii) - Silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) - Thrips species Photo credit: Jeff Brushwein Pepper weevil

Completed Educational Activities Chilli thrips polycom training in December Thrips identification and sampling training, March 2006 Florida Landscape & Ornamental Thrips Workshop in August 2007 Polycom meeting of statewide thrips specialists at UF on June 10, 2008 Photo credits: Lyle Buss

Upcoming Education and Training Workshop on identification and management– Western Flower Thrips Educational Program on August 22, 2008 in Immokalee, FL Thrips Identification Deck – under development by Southern Plant Diagnostic Network & North Central IPM Center Insect resistance management programs that are crop specific Survey of educational needs

Education and Training Grower’s IPM Guide for Florida Tomato and Pepper Production - available on IPM Florida website Thrips on IPM Florida website

Thrips Pest Management Webpage Thrips 101 Scouting Identification of thrips Identification of natural enemies of thrips General IPM practices that reduce thrips populations Thrips management in specific crops

Thrips Website Challenges of thrips management Tracking thrips resistance to insecticides Specialists working group Education and training activities Grower’s IPM Guide for Florida Tomato and Pepper Production Links

Distance Diagnostic and Identification System (DDIS) Sample submission system Take an photograph of the sample Login to DDIS Upload the image to DDIS website Receive assistance with identification

Extension Programs In-service training Field days Classroom education Advanced diagnostic training Photo credits: Suzanne Wainright-Evans, Buglady Consulting, Inc

Outcome Enhance knowledge & awareness of WFT situation Improve IPM implementation Conduct post-training survey UF/IFAS

Contact Info IPM Florida Dr. Norm Leppla