Chilli thrips pose a significant threat to farmers worldwide, but a recent study conducted by the University of Florida has identified two strawberry varieties that demonstrate greater resilience to these pests. This research, supported in part by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch program, offers promising solutions for the $400 million Florida Strawberry industry, where improper management of chilli thrips can result in up to 60% crop damage.
The cultivation of strawberries in Florida covers approximately 14,000 acres, and enhancing pest management strategies could lead to increased yields per acre. Over the past two decades, chilli thrips, scientifically known as Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, have expanded their presence from Asia to several states in the U.S., affecting a variety of crops including hydrangea, pepper, eggplant, mango, citrus, grapes, blueberries, and strawberries.
Efforts to control the spread of chilli thrips have prompted researchers to explore methods such as “host plant resistance,” which involves breeding plant varieties that exhibit greater tolerance to pests and diseases. By incorporating host plant resistance, strawberry producers can reduce their reliance on chemical sprays and other pest management tools.
In a recent study led by doctoral student Lovely Adhikary, researchers at UF/IFAS examined the performance of two strawberry varieties, Florida Brilliance and Sweet Sensation, in comparison to five other UF/IFAS-bred cultivars over three growing seasons at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). The results showed that Florida Brilliance and Sweet Sensation experienced less damage and achieved higher marketable yields, making them viable options for growers looking to minimize pesticide use against thrips.
Despite these promising findings, Sriyanka Lahiri, an assistant professor of entomology at GCREC, emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management practices to effectively control chilli thrips. Lahiri notes that while Florida Brilliance and Sweet Sensation exhibit resistance to the pests, other strawberry cultivars remain highly susceptible, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, acknowledges the significance of these findings, particularly as UF/IFAS researchers like Vance Whitaker strive to identify genetic markers for host plant resistance. Selecting cultivars that offer defense against chilli thrips could prove to be a game-changer for growers, as these pests can be costly to manage and may still pose a threat to profitability in certain years.
Moving forward, the UF/IFAS research team continues to investigate innovative strategies for enhancing pest management in strawberry production. For more information on this study and other agricultural research initiatives, please contact Brad Buck at UF/IFAS at +1 (656) 347-8422 or visit their website at www.ifas.ufl.edu.
Overall, the identification of chilli thrips-resistant strawberry varieties represents a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture practices, offering growers a valuable tool in combating this pervasive pest threat. By leveraging these research findings, farmers can improve crop resilience, reduce chemical inputs, and ultimately enhance the long-term viability of strawberry production in Florida and beyond.
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