Abstract
Flowers of 37 wild plant species located in North Florida were sampled at periodic intervals for selected thrips (Thysanoptera) species. Samples were collected from wooded areas adjacent to two tomato production fields over an 18-mo period beginning March 1989. Of the 2,583 thrips specimens collected, 78% were adults. Adult counts peaked in May at both sites during 1989 and 1990. The genus Frankliniella accounted for 87% of the adult thrips collected. The most common species collected was F. tritici (Fitch) followed by F. bispinosa (Morgan), F. occidentalis (Pergande), and F. fusca (Hinds). Species composition varied by sampled month. Frankliniella tritici was the most abundant species in March, May, and August; F. bispinosa in June and July; and F. occidentalis in February and April. The distribution of thrips that vector tomato spotted wilt virus was similar to that of non vectors in Rowers of wild hosts. Thrips were detected on 31 of the 37 wild plant species surveyed with 61% of all thrips collected inhabiting six plant species. Frankliniella occidentalis and F. tritici used a major proportion of the available wild plant species earlier in the season than F. bispinosa and F. fusca. All Frankliniella species exhibited a wide host range in April and May.
Published Version
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