There are still thrips moving. That’s not supposed to happen.
But wait.
The crops aren’t being damaged. There is no scarring, discoloration or deformation on the leaves or the fruit. Thrips are a valid concern, but because Sefina® insecticide was used, the pests aren’t posing a problem.
Why thrips matter
“Citrus thrips cause significant damage. Thrips feed on the surface of citrus fruits, leading to scarring and blemishes that reduce the fruit’s market value,” says Sidd Tiwari, product manager of specialty crops for BASF. “Severe infestations can result in a large percentage of the crop being downgraded from fresh market quality to juice grade, substantially affecting growers’ income.”
These annoying yellowish insects attach to the leaves and the calyx end of newly forming fruit, a tight place that’s most comfortable for them. This infestation causes leaf distortion and ring-shaped scarring that lasts into maturity, caused by thrips’ needle-like jaws.
“Managing citrus thrips can be challenging due to their rapid reproduction and the need for timely and effective treatments,” Tiwari adds. “If not controlled properly, they can cause extensive damage, especially during the early stages of fruit development.
Early protection is essential to preventing damage that hits the bottom line.
Benefits of Sefina Insecticide
Many insecticides kill their intended pests outright but can do more harm than good.
“Growers may see insects moving after applying Sefina insecticide, but it quickly stops them from feeding, and they exhibit uncoordinated movement of their legs and mouthparts. It stops insects like aphids, thrips, citrus mealybugs, scales, and Asian citrus psyllid from feeding within minutes of exposure,” Tiwari explains.
While it effectively controls citrus thrips and other citrus pests, it is gentle on beneficial insects, supporting integrated pest management (IPM) principles in citrus and other crops.
Tiwari explains that Sefina insecticide uses unique chemistry as the only registered IRAC group 9D — Chordotonal Organ TRPC channel modulator.1
He adds, “Because it’s the only one in this group, it lacks cross-resistance with other known modes of action available on the market.”
This singularity opens more possibilities for its application timing, too.
“Because Sefina insecticide is gentle on pollinators and beneficial insects, it’s suitable for application during bloom time when thrips are active and other solutions are limited,” Tiwari emphasizes.
Peace of mind
The presence of moving insects doesn’t indicate the insecticide was ineffective; rather, it reflects the choice of an innovative product that enhances protection and allows for more strategic application timing without harming pollinators.
Start protecting your citrus quickly here. This inventive protection also works on alfalfa, soybeans, cotton, sorghum, cucurbits and fruiting vegetables.
Reference:
1 Sefina® Inscalis ® Insecticide label. 2023 revision. BASF Corporation. Research Florham Park, NJ.
Always read and follow label directions. Sefina is a registered trademark of BASF. © 2025 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.
