Seedling Root Dip Method for Protecting Onion Plants from Thrips

Thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) infestation at early stages results in poor establishment of onion crop due to high mortality of seedlings. Seedling root dip and foliar application treatments were evaluated with carbosulfan, imidacloprid, and chlorpyriphos during Rabi season to manage the pest. Seedling root dip with carbosulfan @ 0.025% protected the young plants up to 30–40 days from thrips infestation. Carbosulfan @0.05% as seedling root dip at higher doses for 6h and 12 h resulted in phytotoxicity. Foliar application of carbosulfan @0.05% was found very effective in bringing down the thrips population compared to monocrotophos, chlorpyriphos and imidacloprid. The combination treatment, seedling root dip followed by foliar sprays of carbosulfan effectively reduced thrips and recorded highest marketable yield.