Source: Hanna Burrack, NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 5/9/18


This is the tenth thrips flight and TSWV risk assessment report. Read about why we are posting these reports and more in our first report. Read more about tobacco thrips biology and TSWV transmission.

Third generation thrips flights are now predicted to occur within 14 days at some of our locations, so growers should pay close attention to conditions in their area. Growers are reminded to use the most recent information available to make management decisions. The predictions presented below will improve as we get closer to predicted thrips flight dates. The information presented here is intended to supplement, but not replace, farm-specific predictions.

One of our extension agents pointed out that ZIP codes were not generating reports at some locations. If an address or ZIP code does produces an error message at the Tobacco Thrips and TSWV Risk Forecasting Tool, please use the map to select your location instead. Using the map has not produced error messages.

Kenly is a relatively low TSWV risk site, situated within large acreage production areas in Johnston and Wilson Counties. As of today, TSWV infection risk in Kenly is lower than in a typical year. The third generation tobacco thrips flight (the generation that typically transmits the most TSWV) is not expected to occur during the next 14 days. At this time last year, we were 101% of the way to the third generation thrips flight, and this year, we are 74% of the way to the third generation thrips flight.This means that the population is maturing slower in 2018 than in 2017. Last year the third generation thrips flight occurred on May 10. Growers near Kenly planning to transplant within the next 14 days likely do not need to take additional management precautions for TSWV at this time.

Beulaville is a higher TSWV risk site in Duplin County. As of today, TSWV infection risk in Beulaville is lower than in a typical year. At this time last year, we were 106% of the way to the third generation thrips flight, and this year, we are 83% of the way to the third generation thrips flight. This means that the population is maturing slower in 2018 than in 2017. Last year the third generation thrips flight occurred on May 4. This year, the third generation tobacco thrips flight (the generation that typically transmits the most TSWV) is expected to occur on May 21. Growers near Beulaville who have not already transplanted and are transplanting 10 days or less before May 21 should consider using Actigard as a greenhouse float water treatment. Growers who have already transplanted tobacco should consider making a foliar application of Actigard 3 days before May 21.

For the full report, click here.