Chlorpyrifos-impregnated bunch covers and insecticides control banana rust thrips.

Abstract

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) banana bunch covers (bags) impregnated with chlorpyrifos were compared in Queensland with standard untreated LDPE bags and bunch applications with insecticides to control fruit damage by <i>Chaetanaphothrips signipennis. </i>Treated bags were a consistently effective treatment similar to dusting or spraying (<i>p</i>>0.05). One dieldrin spray before application of the untreated LDPE bags did not improve control. Untreated LDPE bags were partly effective and reduced the severity of thrips damage. Diazinon and chlorpyrifos bunch sprays provided equal control but high volume spraying of chlorpyrifos caused severe phytotoxicity to young fruit.