I’m setting near record level numbers of thrips in test plots at Jackson and Milan, and reports from the field are similar.  Unfortunately this means most of our cotton will require a foliar thrips application.  Please refer to last week’s blog on treatment options.

Do not be afraid to tank mix Acephate (e.g., Orthene), Bidrin or Radiant with Liberty, Sequence or Roundup+Dual applications.  You will see burn from the Dual and Liberty, but these insecticides will not or negligibly increase any injury you see.  Considering the high pressure, two insecticide applications at a 3-4 interval may be needed.  I am recommending aggression given the high thrips numbers and slow, raggedy start to our crop, but I am clearly seeing more need for foliar insecticide application on Cruiser or Cruiser Avicta treated cotton seed than on seed treated with Gaucho or other imidacloprid products.