Source: Dominic Reisig, NCSU COLLEGE OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES, 5/25/18


What is the growth stage of the cotton? I cannot stress the importance of this point. Cotton is the most susceptible by far before the two-leaf stage and adults prefer to lay their eggs in cotton during these stages. Cotton will take a yield hit up to the five leaf stage, but sprays at the four and five-leaf stage are typically for revenge, rather than yield. You can tank mix your insecticide with a post herbicide application. The decision you will likely make is whether to be timely for the weeds or the thrips.

What are your thrips numbers? Our threshold is two nymphs per seedling at or before the first leaf stage. Note the importance of spraying your cotton early. Finally, the majority of fields in our state without imidacloprid in-furrow will greatly exceed the economic threshold, justifying sprays.

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