Biorational and conventional insecticides efficacy to control thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Perg.) on strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) at Morelos state, Mexico: Spanish

Abstract

Strawberry cultivation presents multiple phytosanitary limitations among which the “western flower thrips” stands out. Adults and nymphs of F. occidentalis produce severe damage to flowers and fruits, reducing the yield and quality of the product. In Mexico, thrips control is based on the use of synthetic chemical insecticides. The objective of this research was to evaluate the insecticidal effectiveness of biorational and conventional products as control alternatives and their phytotoxic effects in strawberry cultivation. The study was carried out in strawberry cv. Camino Real in flowering stage - fruiting established in open ground. A completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replications was used. Significant differences between treatments could be identified; Imidacloprid + Lambda Cyhalothrin and Bifenthrin caused the highest mortality of thrips with an efficiency of 92 and 93% respectively. Spinosad obtained good results, ranking as the second best option with 90% control efficiencies; neem extract stood out as an excellent biorational pest management alternative with 77% control efficacy in the last evaluation. No phytotoxic effects were observed from any of the treatments on the crop.