​At the Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s Annual Tailgate in Dover, FL on January 14th, Dr. Jason Hamm of Florida Ag Research shared current findings from field work evaluating insecticide spray programs for chilli thrips management in Florida strawberry, with a focus on thrips populations, fruit quality, and practical sampling considerations. 

Why early-season thrips management is a focal point
Chilli thrips populations can build quickly in the first third of the season. Early sprays do not always prevent damage to foliage, blossoms, and fruit, which is why the current strategy emphasizes early intervention—applications during the first month of establishment (before canopy closure) to improve coverage and delay population buildup.

Field trials are currently underway at the Dover FSGA Research Site to refine early-season application methods under real-world conditions, including examining products and modes of action targeting oviposition, eggs, and immatures.

Trial overview and what was evaluated
In this study, ‘Ember’ strawberry was planted 10/20/2025, and five treatments were compared: four rotation programs plus an untreated check (UTC).

Applications and Assessments

• Application timings: 12/22, 12/31, 1/7

Assessment methods included:

1. Thrips counts on leaves (emerging trifoliate)
2. Thrips counts on blossoms (five blooms per plant; alcohol bath; microscope counts)
3. Fruit evaluations (% thrips damage on harvested fruit)

The rotation programs represented different scenarios (including conventional rotations, a multiple-MOA approach, and an organic program), framed around IRAC mode-of-action considerations.

Key findings (early-season conditions)
1. Population control vs. crop protection can diverge
Across assessments focused on adults + larvae per flower, the data indicated that IGR-based approaches provided stronger thrips population reduction relative to systemic and contact products in this dataset.

2. Fruit protection and marketable outcomes favored systemic programs in this early window
When looking at harvested fruit outcomes after three harvests, the presentation notes that a program with systemic products provided the best fruit protection under the early-season conditions observed.
Marketable yield results were also summarized with an emphasis on early-season ROI dynamics, noting that systemic products can provide strong ROI compared to other rotations, though the untreated check performed similarly under these specific early-season conditions.

3. Sampling location matters (flowers vs. foliage)
The work also addressed the practical question: Where should you sample, flowers or foliage? The dataset presented a comparison of adults + larvae per leaf and summarized percent control by program.

Separately, the presentation’s conclusions noted more thrips found in blossoms vs. foliage in these plots.

Conclusions and Next Steps
​The presentation closed with several clear takeaways:

• Relatively low thrips populations in our plots despite our best efforts
• More thrips found in blossoms vs. foliage
• IGR’s provide better population control, but systemic products protect marketable yield better in early season conditions
• Continue to characterize population dynamics of thrips in real-world conditions and understand how IGR’s fit into management programs

“With my background in global development programs, patent contributions, and advancement of new chemistries, I know how critical it is for innovators to trust their data,” said Dr. Hamm. “Florida Ag Research and Ag Metrics Group are known for tight, field-grounded science and responsive client service. I’m excited to help our partners generate clear product differentiation and move new technologies efficiently toward commercialization.”
 
With Dr. Hamm’s appointment, Florida Ag Research strengthens its entomology program and position as a scientific hub for the development of crop protection and biological solutions tailored to the unique pressures of the Southeast U.S. crop production environment.

About Florida Ag Research
Florida Ag Research, an Ag Metrics Group company, is an agricultural contract research organization specializing in field and greenhouse studies under Florida’s demanding production conditions. The company conducts efficacy, residue, agronomic, and specialty research across citrus, vegetables, sugarcane, small fruits, and other high-value crops. In addition, Florida Ag Research is deeply involved with Florida grower cooperatives, keeping their science focus and significant resources directed toward helping product developers identify opportunities and understand the numerous cropping challenges of the Southeastern U.S. marketplace.
 
About Ag Metrics Group
Ag Metrics Group is a leading American agricultural consulting and contract research organization with almost five decades of successful science investigations and grower extension activities. Serving a diverse clientele that includes product manufacturers, grower cooperatives, and governmental agencies, Ag Metrics Group operates across North America through its regional centers: Pacific Ag Research, Michigan Ag Research, and Florida Ag Research. For more information, visit www.AgMetricsGroup.com or follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn @AgMetricsGroup.