Determination of Residue, Drift and Biological Efficacy of Different Spray Methods Against Flower Thrips (Frankliniella spp.) (Thys., Thripidae) in Strawberries

The main objective of this study was to determine efficacy of the different spray methods on flower thrips (Frankliniella spp.), plant coverage, drift, and residues on strawberries. In this study, three different types of spray nozzles were tested: hollow cone nozzle (Ml); air assisted spinning cage nozzle (M2) and flat fan nozzle (M3). Trials were carried out in 2007 and 2008. Pesticide residues were analyzed with Gas Chromatography/Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (GC/NPD). Strawberries were analyzed based on malathion residues up to 6 days after spraying. The results showed that pesticide residues on strawberries were lower than maximum residue level (MRL) values according to WHO, FAO and EC. The lowest spray drift outside treated field was obtained in M2 in 2007 and 2008. The highest biological efficiency on the thrips was determined in M2 in both years.