General situation
Unseasonably cool weather has slowed thrips population projections slightly. However, temperatures may be into the 90s by the end of the week and we expect to see populations continue to develop.
Thrips population
Generation 2 adult thrips are peaking in the coming week. Thrips population will be predominantly nymphs through the second half of May. I've been seeing a few scattered infections in early-planted fields here in the north. There's a risk that when these Gen 3 nymphs become adults they will be able to spread the virus further. In historic hotspots, growers considering treatments should think about targeting these Gen 3 nymphs, especially if they are seeing any signs of the virus. Otherwise, generation 4 seems the more likely source for any significant chance for TSWV to spread around, and the more likely to pay off in terms of investment in thrips control.
