Application of three insecticides to control thrips (Thysanoptera) in avocado (var. Hass) in Caltzontzín, Michoacán

Mexico is the world's leading producer and exporter of avocados. Its commercialization requires quality fruit that meets phytosanitary standards, as well as sound integrated pest and disease management. This study was conducted in Caltzontzin, Uruapan municipality, Michoacán.  It is located at an altitude of 1,640 meters above sea level between the coordinates (19°25'35.2" N 101°59'19.3") W.  The effectiveness of three insecticides was evaluated, where the absolute control (treatment 1) is Spinetoram and the (treatments 2 to 6 are based on pyrethrin extract from chrysanthemum flowers). The insecticides evaluated were: Palgus ® (Spinetoram) at a dose of 0.325 ml, Santem ® (natural pyrethrin extract based on chrysanthemum flowers 2.5%) at doses of 0.8, 1 ml, 1.5 ml / L of water and Tec fort (natural pyrethrin extract based on chrysanthemum flowers 4%) at doses of 1 ml and 1.5 ml / L of water. Evaluations were carried out at 24, 48 and 72 hours after application to determine its efficiency. The results indicate Santem and Tec fort products at concentrations of 2.5 and 4% showed intermediate behavior, with thrips numbers ranging from 5.8 to 13.5 per treatment compared to the initial populations (33-36 thrips per flower panicle). After the first application and based on the results obtained, this experiment demonstrated that adequate thrips control can be achieved by using products based on natural pyrethrins.