Soil and bunch applications of insecticides for control of the banana rust thrips.

Abstract

One application of 4.0 g chlorpyrifos, 1.0 g pirimiphos-ethyl and 3.0 g prothiofos in sprays to the base of the plant and suckers (to a height of 300 m) and the surrounding 300 mm of soil, and 1 application of 6.0 g ethoprophos (in granules) to the soil (over an area of radius 750 mm) surrounding the butt of banana plants in Queensland, each reduced the incidence of <i>Chaetanaphothrips signipennis </i>and subsequent damage. Dieldrin as a treatment to the butt and surrounding soil was not effective. Four applications of diazinon as sprays of an emulsifiable concentrate containing 800 g/litre also reduced thrips numbers and fruit damage.