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.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund