Start sampling for aphids, spider mites, and thrips as soon as plants emerge. Go to the specific pest sections for more information on when to treat and treatment options.
When and How to Sample
- Sample once or twice a week.
- Walk down rows in four quadrants of the field.
- Use a hand lens to examine the first true leaves or cotyledons of random plants looking for damage and insects and mites.
Treatment Thresholds
| Thrips | No treatment is generally required. Treat for thrips only if plants show poor growth, there is terminal damage, and thrips are present in significant numbers. |
|---|---|
| Mites | Treat for mites before defoliation occurs and the mite populations are high. |
| Aphids | Treat for aphids if high populations persist for 7 or more days. |