The Impact of Tillage Practices on Thrips Injury of Peanut in North Carolina and Virginia1

Abstract Reduced tillage peanut production is gaining popularity and the impact of this practice on insect pests is not well understood. This study monitored thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) damage and abundance on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in North Carolina and Virginia on peanuts grown under different tillage regimes from 1986-92. A general trend for less thrips damage in reduced tillage plots was consistent in all years except 1992 in North Carolina. In many instances, damage to plants in reduced tillage peanuts was significantly less than in a conventionally tilled system. The implications for future pest management strategies involving reduced pesticide use as well as research needs to meet these goals are discussed.