Development of IPM strategies and tools for Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) in hydroponic lettuce
The purpose of this report is to summarise a series of trials which have developed tools for managing western flower thrips (WFT), and therefore, the serious disease tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in hydroponic lettuce crops. Tools include several reduced risk pesticides, two predatory mite species, and a number of cultural controls such as hygiene, use of yellow sticky ribbon, and improved spraying techniques. This research has demonstrated that combinations of these techniques can provide control equal to, or better than, control achieved with conventional pesticides.