| Problem Code: |
PPWS
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| Requesting State(s): |
Liburd,Oscar (FL)
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| Potential Products: |
Beleaf 50 SG; Abba Ultra; Combi Protec; Plinazolin; Exirel; Apta; Transform; Rimon
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| PCR Reason for Need: |
Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) are an emerging, economically important pest in southern highbush blueberries (SHB), particularly in warm, humid production regions such as Florida. Feeding injury results in bronzing, leaf curling, stunted growth, and reduced yields which threatens crop vitality and quality of berries produced. Current management relies heavily on repeated applications of chemical insecticides, raising serious concerns about resistance development, environmental persistence, and non-target effects, particularly on pollinators and natural enemies. There is a critical need to develop sustainable, reduced-risk, and integrated management strategies that are compatible with IPM programs and effective under field conditions. [FL: 7/25 DS]
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| PCR Details: |
This project proposes to evaluate Combi-protec, an adjuvant containing plant extracts and sugars designed to improve insecticide performance, as a foundational component in a rotation-based management strategy for chilli thrips in SHB. While thrips may not be directly attracted to the sugars in Combi-protec, the adjuvant’s potential to improve spray coverage, adhesion, and insecticide uptake could increase control efficacy. Field trials will compare Combi-protec alone, four insecticide rotation programs combining Combi-protec with highly effective chemistries from distinct IRAC groups, and an untreated control. The goal is to identify combinations that maximize thrips suppression, reduce injury and feeding damage, delay resistance development, and preserve natural enemies. This study will provide field-validated, data-driven recommendations to improve chilli thrips management and support sustainable IPM strategies in blueberry production systems. Proposed Products: 1) Combi-protec, 2) Exirel (cyantraniliprole - Group 28), 3) Apta (tolfenpyrad - Group 21A) and 4) Transform (sulfoxaflor - Group 4C). Proposed treatments: 1) Combi + Exirel followed by Combi + Apta, 2) Combi + Apta followed by Combi + Transform, 3) Combi + Transform followed by Combi + Exirel, 4) Combi + Apta follow by Combi + Transform, 5) Combi-protec (alone), and 6) Untreated check. [FL: 7/25 DS]
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| Study Goals: |
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| Comments |
HQ recommends including standalone applications of the proposed conventional pesticides in the study and the consideration of these additional insecticides: 1) Novaluron (see PR13532), 2) Flonicamid (see PR13707), 3) Abamectin which controlled the pest in strawberry (see PR13629), 4) Plinazolin (see PR13983) and 5) Spidoxamat (see PR13826). See IS00026 (SWD / blueberry) where Combi-Protec was explored. [NC: 7/25 DS]
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| Study Accomplishments: |
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