Question on Thrips Control on June 16:

Is it too late to treat for thrips?  I used imidacloprid IF at planting (7-8 May) and had good control for the first 4-5 weeks.  I noticed severe thrips damage about a week ago.  I couldn’t find any thrips present and it was too wet to spray anyway.  I still can’t find any thrips, but the peanuts haven’t outgrown the damage.  Emery is the worst, but Baileys and Gregory also have severe damage.  I would say 50-75% damage in spots.  Is it too late to treat?  Are they going to outgrow the damage with this hot weather?

Jordan answer:

With the moist conditions I don’t see a drawback to applying acephate now but you are likely treating the injury symptoms only and not the actual insect.  For peanuts that old I am not sure if you will gain from an application.  Does the new, emerging foliage show any signs of thrips feeding?  If not, I think the thrips population has crashed and spraying would have little value.

Brandenburg answer:

I agree 100% with David