Marigold ThripsNeohydatothrips samayunkur(Kudô), a New Thrips Species in Egypt Associated with the African Marigold,Tagetes erectaL.

Abstract

Four different thrips species; marigold thrips, Neohydatothrips samayunkur; western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis; tomato thrips, Frankliniella schultzei and onion thrips, Thrips tabaci were recorded on marigold plants in the field. Tagetes erecta L. was grown in the experimental farm, Giza governorate, Egypt. The survey was carried out during mid-April to late July and from early September to late December 2013. Weekly samples were randomly selected and examined for the presence of the different thrips species. Identification of thrips species was based on morphological characters. Neohydatothrips samayunkur recorded the highest average numbers in both periods of survey, from mid-April to late July and from early September to late December 2013 (189.5 and 143.6 individuals/plant, respectively), while the lowest number was recorded for T. tabaci (4.6 and 5.9 individuals/plant). This is the first report of N. samayunkur in Egypt. Description of the recorded species is given as well as their sea...