Behavior and management of thrips population using biorational insecticides in avocado (Persea americana MILL.) trees

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of biorational insecticides to control thrips and to provide alternatives that reduce the negative environmental impact of chemical pesticides on the management of avocado tree. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a randomized complete block design with four replicates, the following five treatments were evaluated: T1) control (water); T2) chicalote (Argemone mexicana L.) extract; T3) neem (Azadirachta indica) oil extract; T4) potassium soap (potassium salts); and T5) Spinosad (Spinosyn A and Spinosyn D). Each product was applied in its own row. Treatment rows were separated by a row of trees to which no treatment was applied. Samples were taken in different dates from plant and floral sprouts of four randomly selected avocado trees. Each tree was an experimental unit. Results: The data obtained did not comply with the normality test and the homogeneity of variance; consequently, the data were subjected to a General Additive Model (GAM). The most efficient treatments were neem oil extract and Spinosad. Study Limitations/Implications: Different orchards, with different initial pest populations, should be evaluated to determine the level of infestation in which the application of biorational products is still feasible for pest control. Findings/Conclusions: Plant extracts have high potential to control thrips in open-air avocado plantations; consequently, they could be an alternative to the application of synthetic insecticides for pest management.