CONTROL OF POPULATIONS OF THRIPS PALMI (KARNY) ON VEGETABLE CROPS IN MARTINIQUE (F.W.I.)

Damage caused by Thrips palmi (Karny) on vegetable crops has continued to increase since this insect was reported in October 1985. The first trials involved chemical control. Among the 26 pesticides tested, only avermectin and carbofuran induced a decrease in the importance of the population of thrips. Avermectin produced the best results, but the commercial product was not yet authorized for treatment on vegetables. Carbofuran is lees effective than avermectin. Presently, other means of control are under consideration. First, prophylactic measures are fundamental. A second line of investigation is to explore the activity of native predators of thrips. Some have been observed and it is necessary to preserve them by rational pesticide use from an integrated control perspective