Abstract
We tested the predatory capacity of newly-hatched or newly-molted Chrysoperla comanche (Banks) and Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) larvae after a 24 h fasting period on adults of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) that were feeding on tomato plants (at vegetative and blooming stage) under glasshouse conditions. We also recorded fruit damage by the thrips. Both Chysoperla spp. depredated a similar number of F. occidentalis (thrips) adults regardless of the phenological stage of the plant. Second and third instar larvae of both species consumed significantly more thrips than first instar during plant blooming, however when the plant was at vegetative stage, all larval stages of both species predated a similar number of thrips. A significantly lower fruit damage percentage was recorded at the blooming plant when C. comanche larvae were in the experimental cage, however the presence of second and third instar of both species significantly reduced the fruit damage. No foliar damage was recorded. As far as we know, this is the first assessment of the predatory capacity of C. comanche and C. externa on thrips feeding on tomato under glasshouse conditions.
Highlights
Mexico is the 10th largest producer of tomato in the world, with 4,047,171 t of fruit [1,2] worth 1666US million dollars in the USA
Consumption of Frankliniella occidentalis by First, Second and Third Instar of Chrysoperla comanche and Chrysoperla Externa on Tomato Plants. Both species predated a similar number of thrips regardless of the phenological stage of the plant (Table 1)
The number of thrips consumed during the vegetative stage of the plant by the different instars and species were similar (Overall, Q1 = 2, Median = 3, Q3 = 4; H = 6.632, df = 5, p = 0.2)
Summary
Mexico is the 10th largest producer of tomato in the world, with 4,047,171 t of fruit [1,2] worth 1666US million dollars in the USA. Tomato production is severely affected by diseases and pests, among them the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). This insect is a major cosmopolitan pest causing direct and indirect damage to glasshouse-grown horticultural crops [3]. It is the second most important tomato pest as it may damage leaves, flowers and fruits, and transmits the tomato spotted wilt virus and the impatiens necrotic spot virus [4,5,6] Most farmers control this pest with synthetic insecticides and resistance to different insecticide groups has been declared in different parts of the world [7,8,9,10]. The use of pesticides increases cost production, pollutes the environment and affects human health [11], new regulations are in place limiting international and regional trade [12]
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