Evaluation of neonicotinoid, organophosphate and avermectin trunk injections for the management of avocado thrips in California avocado groves.

Background: Trunk injections of systemic insecticides were evaluated for the management of avocado thrips. Insecticide residues were quantified in leaves to determine when after treatment, and for how long, toxic concentrations of the insecticides were present. Residues in fruit were quantified to determine whether trunk injection of insecticides might present a greater risk than traditional application methods for contaminating fruit.