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**Lee** · January 13, 2007

I don't think it is just the mild winter that impacts TSWV for us.... When I first saw it around here they said the winter wheat harvest had been seriously damaged that year. The thrips that carry the spotted wilt thus had to look for another source of food and the young tomato crops proved to be quite attractive.

Another thing I noticed is that the both years I had a bad case of TSWV, the plants near a big cedar tree were unaffected. Here's my theory.... The thrips are blown in by the wind. The tree blocked any from getting to these two
or three plants. Thus only the plants that were not protected by the tree were vulnerable.
If this is true.... you might be able to set up a 7' barrier to
keep the thrips from reaching (via wind) your main garden bed. The tree was on the North side of the garden. Also, you could bag all of your blossoms before they open as that seems to be what attracts the thrips...

Just some thoughts,

Lee

January 13, 2007	#24
Lee Tomatopalooza™ Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NC-Zone 7 Posts: 2,186	I don't think it is just the mild winter that impacts TSWV for us.... When I first saw it around here they said the winter wheat harvest had been seriously damaged that year. The thrips that carry the spotted wilt thus had to look for another source of food and the young tomato crops proved to be quite attractive. Another thing I noticed is that the both years I had a bad case of TSWV, the plants near a big cedar tree were unaffected. Here's my theory.... The thrips are blown in by the wind. The tree blocked any from getting to these two or three plants. Thus only the plants that were not protected by the tree were vulnerable. If this is true.... you might be able to set up a 7' barrier to keep the thrips from reaching (via wind) your main garden bed. The tree was on the North side of the garden. Also, you could bag all of your blossoms before they open as that seems to be what attracts the thrips... Just some thoughts, Lee __________________ Intelligence is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put one in a fruit salad. Cuostralee - The best thing on sliced bread.