Onion Thrips Management Guidelines for Onion: Using Foliar-Applied Insecticides
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The 2026 Onion Thrips Management Guidelines for Onion: Using Foliar-Applied Insecticide Products are designed to optimize onion thrips management in onion and to mitigate risk of insecticide resistance. Information herein is based on insecticide resistance management principles (IRAC: Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) and years of experience evaluating efficacy of insecticides used for managing onion thrips infestations in small-plot onion field trials in commercial fields, primarily in western New York. Other insecticides (generics and other active ingredients) are also available and may be effective against onion thrips and could be substituted for the products listed here. Information below provides context for these guidelines. These Guidelines do NOT consider managing onion thrips in order to reduce incidence of iris yellow spot virus.

Upcoming Events
Pest Management for Small-Scale Growers
July 23, 2026
Rochester, NY
Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management tools for small-scale growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers! Learn the best practices for using row covers, biocontrols, trapping, and more.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Ontario
July 28, 2026
Canandaigua, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 10, 1a, 23 and 24.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Seneca
July 29, 2026
Romulus, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 10, 1a, 23 and 24.