Unravelling pest status of thrips in dry beans

Thrips are a perceived pest of dry beans in the high plains. In western Nebraska, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 acres of dry beans are treated for thrips with thiamethoxam seed treatment, and some are even followed by a foliar spray in the early season based on an anecdotal action threshold. However, it is unclear if control actions are warranted because the pest status of thrips in dry beans is largely unknown. In this study, we monitored seasonal abundance and species composition of thrips in dry beans using sticky traps and dislodging sampling methods. Additionally, we evaluated thrips infestation in six types of dry beans and compared their susceptibility to thrips. Knowledge gained from this study on thrips activity and their impact on dry bean production as well as implications on improving pest management practices and increasing sustainability and profitability will be discussed.