Monitoring Growing Degree-Days in Commercial Greenhouses for Predicting Western Flower Thrips Emergence

Abstract

We intend to examine the possible relationship between degree-day (DD) accumulation and sticky trap catches of Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) (WFT) in commercial greenhouses. Successful correlation of trap catches to DD accumulation could result in accurate prediction of the onset of adult thrips emergence in the greenhouse that would allow more timely application of control tactics such as releases of predaceous mites or insecticide applications.