Ray’s Big Book of WFT

Chris Beytes

If anyone could do it, Professor Ray Cloyd could. Write a book just about thrips. And not just any thrips—the western flower thrips. The full title is, “Western Flower Thrips: Insect Pest of Greenhouse Production Systems.” While there have been a thousand journal articles written on the topic, this is the first and only book dedicated to this particular pest. Dr. Cloyd, a long-time and frequent contributor to GrowerTalks, is a professor and extension specialist in horticultural entomology/plant protection in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University.

Why did he choose western flower thrips? Because for greenhouse producers worldwide, Frankliniella occidentalis has the potential to cause producers substantial economic damage year after year. It’s a major pest that affects a wide range of host crops.

Ray’s book takes a deep dive into biology, damage, management and insecticide resistance of western flower thrips. Each chapter provides a comprehensive review, integrating both practical and applied information. You’ll find in-depth discussions of the latest research in management approaches, including plant protection strategies (such as scouting, sanitation and trapping), as well as insecticide use, resistance development and mitigation strategies and biological control.

Learn more and order your copy HERE. GT