May 22, 1997

BUD STAGE: Very late pink at UVM HRC

PEAR THRIPS:

We are aware of one orchard that has had significant damage to the developing buds and leaves because of this insect. If your blossoms are retarded in growth or look damaged, or if the leaves are small, thin, and spiked in appearnace, you may have a significant population of pear thrips. Look in the developing clusters and leaves for a thin, black insect about 2 mm in lenght. A pre-bloom insecticide such as Guthion, targeted at other apple insects, would also have activity against this insect.  

For more information on pear thrips see: http://www.uvm.edu/~entlab/Thrips.htm

L. P. Berkett