Thrips Species Research Articles

DNA Barcodes for thrips species and development of multiplex real-time PCR assay for Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, Frankliniella panamensis Hood, Thrips palmi Karny and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

ABSTRACT Thrips (Order Thysanoptera) species are agriculturally important pests and vectors of plant disease. These tiny insects are commonly found in all life stages on imported commodities at the New Zealand border. Morphological identification of thrips is able to be performed on adults, but the identification keys for immature stages are inadequate and so DNA barcoding is regularly used for their identification. Here, we have generated cytochrome oxidase I (COI) DNA barcode data for 29 thrips species from 124 individuals, focusing on Frankliniella occidentalis, a dominant species intercepted at New Zealand border, followed by F. panamensis, Thrips palmi and T. tabaci. In addition, a multiplex real-time PCR assay has been developed to target the four thrips species. This assay is intended to facilitate the identification of quarantine interceptions with greater accuracy and faster diagnostic turnaround times, regardless of the developmental stages of the thrips. The developed assay demonstrated a high level of specificity for all the four target species and could detect as few as 10 copies/µL of the target DNA. Linear responses and high correlation coefficients between the amount of DNA and Cq values for each species were also achieved. The method was successfully tested on single egg, larva and adult samples and proved to be applicable for all life stages of the four species. Overall, this study has shown that the developed assay is an effective biosecurity tool for rapid and reliable identification of the target thrips species.

Comparison of the biology of Frankliniella intonsa and Megalurothrips usitatus on cowpea pods under natural regimes through an age-stage, two-sex life table approach.

Two thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) and Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) are major pests of cowpea in South China. To realistically compare the growth, development and reproductive characteristics of these two thrips species, we compared their age-stage, two-sex life tables on cowpea pods under summer and winter natural environmental regimes. The results showed that the total preadult period of M. usitatus was 8.09 days, which was significantly longer than that of F. intonsa (7.06 days), while the adult female longevity of M. usitatus (21.14 days) was significantly shorter than that of F. intonsa (25.77 days). Significant differences were showed in male adult longevity (10.68 days for F. intonsa and 16.95 days for M. usitatus) and the female ratio of offspring (0.67 for F. intonsa and 0.51 for M. usitatus), and the total preadult period of M. usitatus (16.20 days) was significantly longer than that of F. intonsa (13.66 days) in the winter regime. The net reproductive rate (summer: R0 = 85.62, winter: R0 = 105.22), intrinsic rate of increase (summer: r = 0.3020 day-1, winter: r = 0.2115 day-1), finite rate of increase (summer: λ = 1.3526 day-1, winter: λ = 1.2356 day-1) and gross reproduction rate (summer: GRR = 139.34, winter: GRR = 159.88) of F. intonsa were higher than those of M. usitatus (summer: R0 = 82.91, r = 0.2741, λ = 1.3155, GRR = 135.71; winter: R0 = 80.62, r = 0.1672, λ = 1.1820, GRR = 131.26), and the mean generation times (summer: T = 14.73 days, winter: T = 22.01 days) of F. intonsa were significantly shorter than those of M. usitatus (summer: T = 16.11 days, winter: T = 26.25 days). These results may contribute to a better understanding of the bioecology of different thrips species, especially the interspecific competition between two economically important cowpea thrips with the same ecological niche in a changing environment.

The Filtering Effect of Oil Palm Plantations on Potential Insect Pollinator Assemblages from Remnant Forest Patches

Extensive oil palm plantations worldwide are dependent on insect pollination, specifically by introduced African weevils (Elaidobius spp.). The effectiveness of these weevils has been questioned following poor pollination and yield loss in Malaysia. Indigenous thrip (Thysanoptera) species, and moths (Lepidoptera) in the genus Pyroderces, may also be pollinators of oil palm, while the role of bees (Hymenoptera) and flies (Diptera) is unknown. The potential of native pollinators remains uncertain because of the almost total clearing of forest habitat from oil palm landscapes. In this study, we investigate the value of small high conservation value (HCV) forests as sources of potential native insect pollinators of oil palm in northern Sarawak. We further examine the filtering effect of oil palm-dominated landscapes on the species assemblages of six potential pollinator insect orders: Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Orders differed in both species composition and abundance between forest and oil palm plantations, with an average of 28.1% of species unique to oil palm. Oil palm presented a soft permeable boundary to Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Their species richness and abundance differed little between habitats with distance, despite species turnover. In contrast, oil palm presented a harder boundary to Diptera with a decline in both species richness and abundance with distance into oil palm. The abundance of the oil palm weevil (Elaedobius kamerunicus) was low compared to the native dominants, but similar to levels displayed by native thrips that may be pollinators of oil palm. The functional diversity of well-known pollinator guilds—bees and flies—was similar in forest and oil palm, suggesting that potential pollinators may yet exist among native orders of insects. Contrary to the prevailing opinion, even small forest patches in oil palm landscapes may provide native pollinator pressure.

Thrips Fauna of Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim With First Description of Hitherto Unknown Male <i>Smilothrips productus</i> Bhatti

Survey was conducted to assess thrips fauna of Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), Sikkim Himalaya during 2020 and 2021 and it resulted in the collection of 44 species of thrips at the altitude ranging from 899-2035 m asl. In terms of feeding diversity, 18 phyllophilous, 15 anthophilous, 2 gall inducers, 4 mycophagous and 5 grass inhabiting thrips were recorded. The previously unknown male of Smilothrips productus Bhatti is also described for the first time. The individuals of S. productus collected from India were found to be only macropterous, while that of Chinese forms include both micropterous and brachypterous.

Six genera of the subtribe Macrothripina from Southeast Asia to Taiwan (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae, Idolothripinae).

Six genera with 35 species of fungal spore feeding idolothripine thrips included in the subtribe Macrothripina of the tribe Pygothripini are recognised from Southeast Asia to Taiwan. In which one genus and 21 species are newly described: Aesthesiothrips breviconus sp. n., A. elongatus sp. n., Celidothrips floresi, sp. n., Ethirothrips colossus, sp. n., E. conopygus sp. n., E. dalatae sp. n., E. duricaudus sp. n., E. kasetsarti sp. n., E. longiceps sp. n., E. malaya sp. n., E. oculus sp. n., E. ommatus sp. n., E. puiensis sp. n., E. quadratus sp. n., E. saigon sp. n., E. setosus sp. n., E. tenuis sp. n., E. terminalis sp. n., E. thai sp. n., Fernothrips femoralis gen. et sp. n., Polytrichothrips malayanus sp. n., and two species are redescribed: E. longisetis and E. rubeus. Moreover, five species of two genera are newly recorded from Southeast Asia: E. brevis from Indonesia and Thailand, E. longisetis from Laos, E. obscurus from Indonesia and Thailand, E. rubeus from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and Ischyrothrips crassus from Thailand. Generic definitions of two genera, Aesthesiothrips and Ethirothrips, are re-examined. Five keys are provided for: 12 Macrothripina genera from Asia, three Aestethiothrips species, two Celidothrips species from Southeast Asia, 26 Ethirothrips species from Southeast Asia to Taiwan, and three Polytrichothrips species.

Population performance and detoxifying and protective enzyme activities of four thrips species feeding on flowers of Magnolia grandiflora (Ranunculales: Magnolia).

Different thrips species can co-occur on the same flowers with different dominance degrees. To accurately evaluate the population performance on different thrips species on Magnolia grandiflora flowers, we investigated the diversity of thrips species and their population dynamics both in the field and laboratory. In addition, the activities of detoxifying and protective enzymes in thrips were also measured. Field investigations revealed that four thrips species (Thrips hawaiiensis, Thrips flavidulus, Frankliniella occidentalis, and Thrips coloratus) coexisted on M. grandiflora flowers. They were ranked, from highest population density to lowest, as follows: T. hawaiiensis > T. flavidulus > F. occidentalis > T. coloratus. In laboratory investigations, the species were ranked, from fastest developmental rates to slowest, as follows: F. occidentalis > T. hawaiiensis > T. flavidulus > T. coloratus; and from largest population size to smallest, as follows: T. hawaiiensis > F. occidentalis > T. flavidulus > T. coloratus. Biochemistry assays showed that the four species differed in their activities of detoxifying enzymes (carboxylesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, and cytochrome P450) and protective enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase) in both laboratory and field strains. Differences in population performance among these four thrips on M. grandiflora may be related to their activity levels of physiological enzymes. The variations in thrips population performance between the field and the laboratory could be due to differences in environmental conditions. T. hawaiiensis showed a strong host preference for M. grandiflora, and thus it has the potential to be a dangerous pest in horticultural plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of oviposition delay on early reproductive effort and offspring fitness in a thrips species

Effect of oviposition delay on early reproductive effort and offspring fitness in a thrips species

Interspecific and intraspecific variation in susceptibility of two co-occurring pest thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips palmi, to nine insecticides.

Field control of pest thrips mainly relies on insecticides, but the toxicity of insecticides can vary among thrips species and populations. In this study, we examined the susceptibility of multiple field populations of two thrips pests, Frankliniella occidentalis, and Thrips palmi, that often co-occur on vegetables, to nine insecticides belonging to seven subgroups. The highest level of variation in susceptibility among F. occidentalis populations was for spinetoram (73.92 fold difference between most resistant and most susceptible population), followed by three neonicotinoids (8.06-15.99 fold), while among T. palmi populations, it was also for spinetoram (257.19 fold), followed by emamectin benzoate, sulfoxaflor, and acetamiprid (23.64-45.50 fold). These findings suggest evolved resistance to these insecticides in some populations of the two thrips. One population of F. occidentalis had a particularly high level of resistance overall, being the most resistant for five of the nine insecticides tested. Likewise, a population of T. palmi had high resistance to all nine insecticides, again suggesting the evolution of resistance to multiple chemicals. For F. occidentalis, the LC95 values of most populations were higher than the field-recommended dosage for all insecticides except chlorfenapyr and emamectin benzoate. For several T. palmi populations, the LC95 values also tended to be higher than recommended dosages, except in the case of emamectin benzoate and spinetoram. Our study found interspecific and intraspecific variations in the susceptibility of two thrips to nine insecticides and multiple resistance in some populations, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and resistance management. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of Different Integrated Management Strategies against Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Mung Bean

The study was conducted in the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during April‒June, 2021 to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated management approaches against thrips on mung bean. The treatments comprising seed treatment, blue sticky trap and bio-pesticides i.e. Tracer 45SC (Spinosad), Biotrin 0.5% AS, Ecomec 1.8EC or synthetic chemical insecticides i.e. Confidor 70 WG, Actara 25WG, Stargate 48SC, Novastar 56EC and an untreated control were evaluated against thrips. The efficacy of the integrated management packages differed significantly against the thrips species Megalurothrips usitatus and Thrips palmi. Among them, the integrated management approach comprising seed treatment+blue sticky trap+Stargate 48SC was the most effective and reduced the highest percent of total thrips population on top trifoliate leaves and terminal shoots (84.46% and 80.77%, respectively) at vegetative stage and on flower buds and flowers (81.26% and 80.54%, respectively) at reproductive stage of mung bean. The lowest flower bud and flower infestation (17.35% and 21.66%, respectively) and shedding (13.32% and 8.41%, respectively) and the highest number of pod (34.28 plant-1), pod length (9.29 cm), seed (10.82 pod-1), 1000 seed weight (34.10 g) and yield (1642.19 kg ha-1) of mung bean was found in the integrated management package including seed treatment+blue sticky trap+Stargate 48SC followed by the management strategy comprising seed treatment+blue sticky trap+Confidor 70 WG and seed treatment+Blue sticky trap+Actara 25WG.

Results of a survey of quarantine thrips species Thrips palmi Karny, 1925 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Croatia in 2021

Thrips palmi Karny, 1925 polifagna je fitofagna vrsta tripsa zabilježena na biljnim vrstama iz više od 36 porodica, posebice iz porodica Cucurbitaceae i Solanaceae. Vektor je destruktivnih biljnih tospovirusa. Pretpostavlja se da vrsta potječe iz južne Azije. Vrsta u EU ima status karantenskog štetnog organizma i često se presreće u uvoznim izvaneuropskim pošiljkama rezanog cvijeća, plodova i povrća. Štetnik predstavlja ozbiljan fitosanitarni rizik za poljoprivrednu proizvodnju na području Mediteranskog bazena. Provođenje programa posebnog nadzora nad štetnim organizmom T. palmi započeto je u Hrvatskoj 2021. godini. Vizualnim pregledima obuhvaćeni su nasadi povrća u zaštićenim prostorima te ukrasno bilje u rasadnicima i vrtnim centrima na 34 lokaliteta u 13 županija. Odrasli primjerci tripsa prikupljeni su otresanjem biljaka na bijelu podlogu ili izravno finim kistom s biljnih organa te pohranjeni do laboratorijske analize u AGA mješavini u Eppendorf epruvetama. Ukupno je obavljeno 46 vizualnih pregleda i pritom je prikupljen 101 uzorak tripsa s 43 biljne vrste za laboratorijsku analizu. Primjerci tripsa su u prikupljenim uzorcima mikroskopski identificirani do razine vrste na osnovi morfoloških karakteristika odraslih ženki, pomoću EPPO dijagnostičkog protokola PM 7/3 (3) i relevantnih ključeva za identifikaciju.U prikupljenim uzorcima determinirano je 19 vrsta tripsa, od kojih su Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (Moulton, 1907) i Scirtothrips cf. canizoi Titchak, 1964 nove za faunu tripsa u Hrvatskoj. Niti u jednom analiziranom uzorku nije identificirana karantenska vrsta T. palmi.

Pantoea Bacteria Isolated from Three Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella intonsa, and Thrips tabaci) in Korea and Their Symbiotic Roles in Host Insect Development.

Gut symbionts play crucial roles in host development by producing nutrients and defending against pathogens. Phloem-feeding insects in particular lack essential nutrients in their diets, and thus, gut symbionts are required for their development. Gram-negative Pantoea spp. are known to be symbiotic to the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). However, their bacterial characteristics have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we isolated three different bacteria (BFoK1, BFiK1, and BTtK1) from F. occidentalis, F. intonsa, and T. tabaci. The bacterial isolates of all three species contained Pantoea spp. Their 16S rRNA sequences indicated that BFoK1 and BTtK1 were similar to P. agglomerans, while BFiK1 was similar to P. dispersa. These predictions were supported by the biochemical characteristics assessed by fatty acid composition and organic carbon utilization. In the bacterial morphological analysis, BFoK1 and BTtK1 were distinct from BFiK1. All these bacteria were relatively resistant to tetracycline compared to ampicillin and kanamycin, in which BFoK1 and BTtK1 were different from BFiK1. Feeding ampicillin (100,000 ppm) reduced the bacterial density in thrips and retarded the development of F. occidentalis. The addition of BFoK1 bacteria, however, rescued the retarded development. These findings indicate that Pantoea bacteria are symbionts to different species of thrips.

Responses of Thrips hawaiiensis and Thrips flavus populations to elevated CO2 concentrations.

Increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations may directly affect insect behavior. Thrips hawaiiensis Morgan and T. flavus Schrank are economically important thrips pests native to China. We studied the development, survival, and oviposition of these two thrips under elevated CO2 concentrations (800 μl liter-1) and ambient CO2 (400 μl liter-1; control) conditions. Both thrips species developed faster but had lower survival rates under elevated CO2 levels compared with control conditions (developmental time: 13.25 days vs. 12.53 days in T. hawaiiensis, 12.18 days vs. 11.61 days in T. flavus; adult survival rate: 70.00% vs. 64.00% in T. hawaiiensis, 65.00% vs. 57.00% in T. flavus under control vs. 800 μl liter-1 CO2 conditions, respectively). The fecundity, net reproductive rate (R0), and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of the two species were also lower under elevated CO2 concentrations (fecundity: 47.96 vs. 35.44 in T. hawaiiensis, 36.68 vs. 27.88 in T. flavus; R0: 19.83 vs. 13.62 in T. hawaiiensis, 14.02 vs. 9.86 in T. flavus; and rm: 0.131 vs. 0.121 in T. hawaiiensis, 0.113 vs. 0.104 in T. flavus under control and 800 μl liter-1 CO2 conditions, respectively). T. hawaiiensis developed slower but had a higher survival rate, fecundity, R0, and rm compared with T. flavus at each CO2 concentration. In summary, elevated CO2 concentrations negatively affected T. hawaiiensis and T. flavus populations. In a world with higher CO2 concentrations, T. hawaiiensis might be competitively superior to T. flavus where they co-occur.

Within-Plant and Within-Field Distribution Patterns of Asian Bean Thrips and Melon Thrips in Snap Bean

Asian bean thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall, are a serious pest of vegetable crops, especially leguminous crops, across the Asian continent. In Florida, it is a new invasive pest of snap beans. In 2019, it was recorded for the first time in the United States in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) fields. Another thrips species, melon thrips, Thrips palmi Karny, is also a serious pest that affects several vegetable crops. Within-plant and within-field distribution patterns of M. usitatus and T. palmi were determined in snap bean fields in southern Florida. The highest number of both thrips species (Asian bean thrips and melon thrips) in snap beans were in flowers, followed by leaves and pods. Both adults and immatures of these thrips exhibited regular to clumped distribution patterns in bean fields. Several statistical indices showed agreement in the distribution patterns of Asian bean thrips, melon thrips, and larvae, irrespective of sampling units and plot size, in three years of study. In most instances, the distribution of Asian bean thrips and melon thrips was aggregated. This study assessed the optimum sample size to accurately determine the population density of these thrips for management purposes. The results from this study will be useful for implementing targeted management programs against thrips pests, thereby reducing labor costs and time. This information will also help reduce agrochemical use.

Two new species of the genus Thrips Linnaeus (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) in Japan, with a revised key to Japanese species of Thrips

Thrips coxalis sp. n. and T. spiranthicola sp. n. are described from Lespedeza buergeri and Spiranthes sinensis, respectively in Japan. Variation is discussed in campaniform sensilla on metascutum and abdominal tergite IX, also the distribution of microtrichia on hind coxae within Thripidae, and a revised key to Japanese species of Thrips is provided.

Sequential Sampling Plans for Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Soybean Crops With Insecticide Applications Using Tractor or Airplane.

Sampling plans are an essential part of integrated pest management programs. Sequential sampling plans enable rapid and low-cost assessment of pest densities. Thrips are emerging pests in soybean crops, and the main method used in pest control is chemical. In soybean crops, insecticides are applied mainly using tractors or airplanes. Thus, this work aimed to determine sequential sampling plans for thrips in soybean crops with insecticide applications using a tractor or airplane. Data were collected in 56 soybean fields, and each field was 20 ha. Sampling plans were determined and validated. The lower (m0) and upper (m1) limits of the sequential sampling plans were: m0 = 1.72 and m1 = 3.43 (by tractor applications) and, m0 = 2.27 and m1 = 4.53 thrips. sample-1 (by airplane applications). The slope (S) and the lower (h0) and upper (h1) intercepts of the sequential sampling plans were: S = 2.42, h0 = -5.79, and h1 = 5.79 (by tractor applications) and, S = 3.19, h0 = -6.83, and h1 = 6.83 (by airplane applications). Sequential sampling plans allowed for correct decisions to be made in all situations using a maximum of 10 samples. The sequential plan reduced the sampling effort by over 87% compared to conventional sampling plans. Therefore, these control decision-making systems have proven feasible and advantageous for implementing integrated pest management programs for controlling thrips species in soybean crops.

Specificity of vectoring and non-vectoring flower thrips species to pathogen-induced plant volatiles

Specificity of vectoring and non-vectoring flower thrips species to pathogen-induced plant volatiles

Thrips in genusMegalurothrips(Thysanoptera: Thripidae): biodiversity, bioecology, and IPM

AbstractCurrently, there are a total of 15 thrips species in the genus Megalurothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom and Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) are the most economically important pest species because of the serious damage they can do to leguminous crops, especially cowpea, which is an important grain crop for Africa and a vegetable crop for the rest of the world. Megalurothrips sjostedti is only distributed in Africa, while M. usitatus is widely spread in subtropical and tropical regions of the world and is more invasive. Nigeria is the only area where both thrips species are shared. Inexplicably, M. usitatus does not seriously damage cowpea in Africa. Bioecological characteristics indicated that M. usitatus adapts to a wider temperature and humidity range, which may result in its current geographic distribution. Since the 2010s, M. usitatus has received more attention and research. The integrated pest management (IPM) strategy of both thrips as case studies was reviewed in this paper, along with multiple complementary tactics, including agronomic measures, physical-chemical lure control, biological control, and chemical control, and insecticide resistance. Lessons have been learned from both M. sjostedti and M. usitatus, as well as from another widespread invasive thrips species, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), thus enhancing our overall understanding of the biology, ecology, and IPM practices of M. sjostedti and M. usitatus.

“Strawberry fields forever”: flower-inhabiting thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) communities and their spatial interactions in strawberry agroecosystems in Québec, Canada, with first mention of pest Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom)

Abstract Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) communities in agroecosystems are poorly known, particularly in Québec, Canada, where thrips can cause damage in strawberry crops. The phenology of anthophagous thrips and their use of cultivated and wildflower resources were monitored in strawberry agroecosystems, encompassing strawberry (Rosaceae) fields and adjacent uncultivated margins, on Orléans Island, Québec, Canada. A community comprised of 11 thrips species was described, dominated during the whole season by pest species Frankliniella tritici and F. intonsa, which is a first mention in Eastern Canada. Surprisingly, the major strawberry pest F. occidentalis was absent in our samples. Thrips species richness and abundance on wildflowers varied, with few flowering plant species supporting a majority of the community. Sampling sites and local wildflower presence influenced the thrips species assemblage observed on strawberry crops. Such a high thrips diversity was unexpected in this agroecosystem. The identified associations between pest thrips and wildflower species will be useful to develop better control programmes in strawberry crops.

ВИДОВОЙ СОСТАВ ТРИПСОВ (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) НА СЕЛЕКЦИОННЫХ ПОСЕВАХ ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В РГАУ-МСХА ИМЕНИ К.А. ТИМИРЯЗЕВА

Cereal thrips are ubiquitous, widespread and strong pests of grain crops. Imago and larvae of thrips can damage leaves, ears, flowers and grains by injecting and sucking plant juices. Thrips reduce not only the weight but also the sowing qualities of grain, posing a threat to breeding and seed crops. Cereal thrips are a systematically and biologically diverse group of species that are diffi-cult to diagnose and study. Morphological diagnosis of thrips is carried out according to the adult phase; diagnosis of larvae of closely related species requires the use of molecular genetic methods. The wheat thrips are usually the main focus; other species are less known. In the experimental crops in Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, cereal thrips are one of the main pests. In 2020, on spring wheat, their share in the number of insect collections by mowing with a net reached 14 in 2022, it reached 29%. However, the species composition of thrips has not been previously studied here. In the genetic collection of spring wheat (45 varieties) and the collection of endemic wheat (18 varieties) of the breeding experimental station of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, censuses and diagnostics of the species composition of thrips were carried out. A total of 993 adults of thrips were analyzed and micro preparations were made. Seven species of herbivorous and one species of predatory thrips were identified. The species composition is dominated by three species of cereal thrips: Haplothrips aculeatus, Haplothrips tritici, and Frankliniella tenuicornis. The rarest among them is the rye thrips Limothrips denticornis. Some differences between thrips species are noted in terms of appearance on crops and the period of the main damage. For the most widespread, closely related and outwardly similar species, the main diagnostic features are indicated.

Combined application of Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Beauveria bassiana granules for control of soil-dwelling stage of Frankliniella occidentalis

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a pest of global importance in agricultural and horticultural crops. F. occidentalis populations comprise of all different life stages (egg, larvae, prepupae, pupae and adults) under natural conditions. This thrips species typically pupates and spends about one-third of their life cycle in the soil. Their cryptic habit and high reproductive rate make them difficult to control. Compared to attempts to control thrips on the foliage, there is a new idea to control thrips when their pupal stage is still underground, thereby interrupting the thrips life cycle before they have the chance to emerge as adults.