Evaluation of pesticide/variety combinations for thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) management on French beans (P. vulgaris L.) in Kenya

Abstract

A field study was undertaken to evaluate pesticide/variety combinations for thrips infestation and damage in Kabete Field Station, University of Nairobi, Kenya. Four French bean varieties (Amy, Monel, Samantha and Impala) and four insecticides (Lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate 1.75 EC), Petroleum spray oil (DC Tron 500 ML), Spinosad (Tracer 480 SC) and Fipronil (Regent 50 SC)) were used for the study. The study revealed that both the varieties and insecticides influenced thrips infestation independently. Tracer 480 SC and Regent 50 SC gave the lowest thrips numbers in all the varieties. The mean number of F. occidentalis in Karate 1.75 EC sprayed plots was higher and significantly different from plots sprayed with Tracer 480 SC and Regent 50 Sc. The mean number of M. sjostedti was not significantly different for all the plots sprayed with Tracer 480 SC, Regent 50 SC and Karate 1.75 EC. DC Tron 500 ML had no significant effect on thrips infestation.