Onion Thrips Management Recommendations for 2018
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Most larger scale onion growers in the region are already familiar with Dr. Brian Nault's insecticide sequence recommendations for onion thrips management. However, more products have been registered in New York in the last few years that provide alternative options for conventional thrips management (specifically Exirel and Minecto Pro). It's worth keeping in mind that Dr. Nault's recommendations are based on two primary principles:
- Scouting and only spraying at threshold: The days of calendar sprays are long gone. Given the cost of some of the newer chemistries used for thrips management, growers must scout fields and confirm that thrips populations have reached a level of at least an average of 1 thrips per leaf before spraying. Spraying before thresholds are reached not only weakens the resistance management strategy (see point 2), but also cuts into grower profits by unnecessarily increasing the number of insecticide applications each year.
- Resistance management: Onion thrips produce multiple generations each year. They also develop resistance to insecticides more readily than other pests that reproduce more slowly. One of the goals of the recommended insecticide sequence is to avoid exposing multiple generations per year to the same insecticide. By avoiding the exposure of multiple thrips generations to the same active ingredients in the same year, growers can help preserve the useful life of insecticides that are effective at managing thrips.
The chart that follows outlines several different insecticide sequences developed by Dr. Nault for growers to follow depending upon the severity of thrips pressure in the field. It should be noted that, as indicated below, Minecto Pro is a pre-mix of the same active ingredients found in Agri-Mek and Exirel, so it should NOT be used in sequence with those products. Addtionally, almost all of the insecticides listed in the chart should be used with a non-ionic penetrating surfactant, such as Dyne-Amic or LI700. Only Warrior and Lannate are compatible with spreader-sticker type adjuvants. Since Bravo Weatherstik is formulated with a sticker, it should NOT be mixed with Movento, Minecto Pro, Radiant, Exirel, or Agri-Mek.
This article was published in the June 7th 2018, ENYCHP Vegetable News. Click here to view the full newsletter.
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026
The fifth annual CCE Cut Flower Webinar Series begins on January 6, 2026 and continues over 5 weeks on Tuesdays. This is a very popular series of online events you won't want to miss, with topflight speakers, a wide variety of subjects concerning growing cut flowers and plenty of interaction between speakers and attendees.
Tuesdays 1pm-3pm January 6, 2026 - February 3, 2026 (The webinar held on February 3 will run 1pm-4pm)
Cost: $60.00 for all five sessions, $20 for single sessions
Webinars will be recorded, and all the recordings will be sent to registrants for future review.
Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series
January 10, 2026
Looking to diversify where you sell your farm products? This four-part workshop series helps farmers explore new opportunities in direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and institutional markets. Learn how to meet buyer expectations, price for profitability, and build lasting relationships that support your business goals. Participants will strengthen marketing and communication skills, evaluate which sales channels best fit their farm, and connect with buyers, distributors, and local partners who can help expand their reach. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow your market presence, this program will help you chart the right path for your farm's future.
Four Session Series: Saturdays from 10AM to Noon, January 10-January 31, 2026
Attend at one of three locations: Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY; Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY; Via Zoom
Pre-registration is requested! Fee: $25 Register Here
Any questions can be directed to Kelley Doolin at kmd322@cornell.edu