 |
ProCrop |
Barley Thrips
Barley thrips are small dark brown to black insects that can cause economic yield losses in barley. Occasionally there are reports of thrips in durum. Thrips emerge from overwintering sites in late May and early June. Early seeded barley is the preferred host for thrips. Scouting for thrips should begin prior to heading. At least 10 plants at a minimum of 5 locations per 40 acres should be examined. Do not confine counts to field margins where thrip populations are likely to be highest. To examine a plant, carefully peel down the upper leaf sheath, and count the number of dark colored thrips (about the size of a dotted i) inside the leaf, and on the stem and developing head. At present the economic threshold is 7-8 adult barley thrips per plant before the crop is fully headed. Once the crop heads the insect's damage is done and no treatment is advised. Registered insecticides for barley thrip control are ethyl or methyl parathion at 4-6 oz. of active ingredient per acre.
For more information see the Insect guide at http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/pests/e1143w1.htm
Back to Barley Thrips -
Barley Menu
Back to Barley Menu
Back to Main ProCrop Index
