Thrips pressure was average to slightly above average in most fields. However, thrips feeding damage to new growth was evident much longer into the season than the normal 4 to 6 weeks after emergence. Thrips populations were high even in late July. This late feeding pressure was thought to contribute to an extremely high incidence of tomato spotted wilt virus in August and September. June rains helped reduce the threat from this insect and overall impact was low compared to that seen in drier years.
Wireworms continue to cause low levels of damage in most Georgia peanut fields.
Three-cornered alfalfa hoppers and leafhoppers were again a problem in 1996. With little research available on these pests, yield losses are difficult to estimate but numerous observations suggest that yield losses are common. Foliage feeders were of little significance in 1996. An outbreak of fall armyworm in the southwestern corner of the state caused a few insecticide applications, but damage was generally very light. Units Treated No. of Unit Applic.