Predatory hemipteran bugs detected with thrips on ornamental plants in the Çukurova region of Turkey

Abstract

In this study, 30 plant species belonging to 18 plant families were sampled for thrips (Thysanoptera) and predatory insects. Collections of thrips and predatory bugs were carried out on ornamental plants in parks, home gardens and greenhouses in the Çukurova region of Turkey, mainly Adana Province. Thrips were sampled from ornamental plants at irregular intervals during 2013-2014. A total of 20 Thysanoptera species were recorded. The most notable species present (at least 10% of samples) were, in descending order of abundance, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and Thrips tabaci Lind. The thrips fauna was dominated by F. occidentalis which was found on 51% of the samples and contributed 81% of all specimens. A total of 5 predatory hemipteran species were recorded. Orius niger (Wollf) (Anthocoridae) was collected in the highest number (250 specimens), accounting for 43% of all individuals. Thrips and beneficial insects (mainly O. niger) were most common on the plant species belonging to the families Asteraceae Lamiaceae and Verbanaceae. On many plant species, the prey/predator ratio was less than 5 thrips per predator, which may indicate that species of thrips are being effectively suppressed by the predatory bugs detected, particularly on ornamental plants grown in open areas.