Management of Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, on Rose under Open-Field and Protected Conditions

Investigation on management of thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood on roses under open-field and protected conditions was conducted during 2008-10 at Bengaluru. Clothianidin 50 WDG 20g a.i./ha proved best in terms of efficacy and cost. Vertimac, spinosad and Garlic Barrier agriculture (GB Ag ) were comparable in efficacy. GB Ag was on par with clothianidin besides being eco-friendly. GB Ag was found effective as a new molecule. Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) proved to be superior to neem oil, pongamia oil and the commercial neem product, Nimbecidine. NSKE was also found to reduce thrips density to the extent of 64% - 88%. In rose fields where pest suppression measures are hardly practised, farmers can apply NSKE, monocrotophos or imidacloprid. Based on the cost of vertimac and spinosad, these can be recommended where cost-effective, as in commercial polyhouses growing roses.