DECISION TOOLS FOR MULBERRY THRIPS PSEUDODENDROTHRIPS MORI （NIWA, 1908） MANAGEMENT IN SERICULTURAL REGIONS; AN OVERVIEW

Mulberry thrips Pseudodendrothrips mori (Niwa, 1908) is a major pest of mulberry trees recorded from different sericultural regions of the world. The thrips infestation affects the qualitative and quantitative characters of mulberry leaf, by direct feeding damage to leaves and the ingestion of sap, which in turn affects the silkworm cocoon crop. This is most harmful in dry climates and seasons when heavily attacked plants lose moisture heavily. Under these conditions infestation can seriously deplete yields. The seasonal population fluctuation and the degree of damage caused to the host plant are influenced by various environmental factors including climate, host-plant variety, topography, soil type, and management regimes.This article attempts to review all available documents on mulberry thrips and to discuss the practical approaches for best control of this pest.     

桑蓟马在桑树中空间分布的研究

桑蓟马Pseudodendrothrips mori是桑树的一种主要害虫。它的寄生直接影响供桑叶的质量和产量。我们通过泰勒幂法则和Morisita的散度指标对桑树蓟马在植株和桑园内的空间分布进行检验,结果显示:P.mori种群在植株内和桑园里的分布都存在局部化。桑树中蓟马的分布在树内显示出幼虫蓟马位于低层(从上面叶子起5-10层),但成虫更喜欢上层(从上面叶子起1-5层)。同一植株叶子的不同方向上蓟马密度没有出现明显变化。桑园内蓟马主要分布在桑园东部、南部和北部的植株上,中部,西部植株上的蓟马密度较低。P.mori的成虫和幼虫在叶子上的分布呈现明显聚集化。     

Within-Crop Air Temperature and Humidity Outcomes on Spatio-Temporal Distribution of the Key Rose Pest Frankliniella occidentalis

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is a key pest of various crops worldwide. In this study, we analyse the dependence of the infestation of this pest on spatially distributed micro climatic factors in a rose greenhouse. Despite the importance of this subject, the few existing studies have been realized in laboratory rather than in greenhouse conditions. However, recent progress on greenhouse microclimate characterisation has highlighted the strong indoor climate heterogeneity that may influence the within-crop pest distribution. In this study, both microclimate (air temperature and humidity) and thrips distribution were simultaneously mapped in a rose greenhouse. The measurements were sensed in a horizontal plane situated at mid-height of the rose crop inside the greenhouse. Simultaneously, thrips population dynamics were assessed after an artificial and homogeneous infestation of the rose crop. The spatio-temporal distribution of climate and thrips within the greenhouse were compared, and links between thrips infestation and climatic conditions were investigated. A statistical model was used to define the favourable climate conditions for thrips adults and larvae. Our results showed that (i) the air temperature and air humidity were very heterogeneously distributed within the crop, (ii) pest populations aggregated in the most favourable climatic areas and (iii) the highest population density of thrips adults and larvae were recorded at 27°C and 22°C for temperature and 63% and 86% for humidity, respectively. These findings confirm, in real rose cropping conditions, previous laboratory studies on the F. occidentalis climatic optimum and provide a solid scientific support for climatic-based control methods against this pest.     

植物次生代谢物质对蓟马的行为调控作用及其在蓟马防控中的应用

蓟马是多种农作物和园艺作物上的重要害虫,通过直接取食和间接传播病毒给作物造成巨大的经济损失。植物次生代谢物质在植物-昆虫互作中起到重要的作用,通过植物次生代谢物质调控害虫行为从而达到控制害虫的目的是一种害虫绿色防控的重要措施。本文综述了对蓟马类害虫具有引诱、驱避、抑制产卵、拒食、熏蒸毒性和毒杀作用的植物、植物提取物、植物精油和化合物,并讨论了植物次生代谢物质在蓟马防控中的应用潜能。对蓟马具有引诱作用的主要包括27科54种植物的挥发物或精油、29种苯环类、17种吡啶类和13萜烯类化合物,可开发为诱集植物和引诱剂;具有驱避作用的主要包括16科40种植物的挥发物或精油、20种萜烯类和6种苯环类化合物,可开发为驱避植物和驱避剂;具有抑制产卵、拒食、熏蒸毒性和毒杀作用的主要有20科42种植物的提取物或精油、6种生物碱类、15种萜烯类和5种苯环类化合物,可开发为植物源农药和熏蒸剂。本文最后讨论了应用植物次生代谢物质防控蓟马存在的作用效果不稳定、田间应用技术缺乏、作用机制不明确等问题,并展望了未来的研究方向,对基于植物次生代谢物质的蓟马绿色防控具有重要意义。     

Population dynamics and integrated pest management of Thrips tabaci on leek under field conditions in northwest Italy

Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a major pest of leek, Allium porrum L. (Alliaceae), in Piedmont, northwest Italy, and to control its infestation the leek crop is sprayed intensively with insecticides during the summer period. In order to find the most efficient and environment‐friendly method of thrips control, research was conducted on six commercial farms during 2005–2006 to assess thrips population composition and infestation levels, and in an experimental field during 2005–2007. Biological and chemical control were compared during 2005–2006, whereas integrated pest management was adopted during 2007. During the growing season, thrips and natural enemy populations were monitored at 14‐day intervals by beating plants; new leaves of plants were also visually inspected for thrips‐feeding symptoms. Furthermore, in the experimental field at harvest‐time, the level of thrips injury to plants was assigned to one of five classes, depending on the percentage of leaf area damaged. Over 99% of phytophagous adult thrips found were male and female T. tabaci. Infestations were very variable in the crops surveyed, partly due to broad‐spectrum chemical treatments against the leek pests, which often failed to control thrips. In general, populations peaked in September, when they reached the maximum mean values ranging between 1.7 and 33.1 thrips per plant. At harvest, none of the surveyed farms experienced quality losses due to thrips injuries. In the experimental field during 2005–2006, the mean number of thrips per plant was greater in the chemical than in the biological control treatment, even though damage indices showed no significant differences between the two treatments. Predatory thrips of the genus Aeolothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and predatory bugs of the genus Orius (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), mostly Orius majusculus Reuter, were particularly abundant during 2007, supporting the importance of management with selective insecticides to encourage natural colonization by predators.     

Decision-making tools for Frankliniella occidentalis management in strawberry: consideration of target markets

The western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), a cosmopolitan pest of many crops, is considered a major pest of low tunnel and greenhouse strawberries. The extent of damage to strawberry is unclear because different studies have produced contradictory results. Also, economic thresholds published for WFT in strawberry vary greatly, and most fail to incorporate economic factors. This study was aimed at developing a decision‐making tool for WFT management in strawberries in Israel. Toward this end, economic injury levels (EIL) and economic thresholds were calculated, based on target markets (export vs. domestic). Results indicate that serious infestation of ripe berries may cause a dull, rough appearance, and the fruit may be soft and have a reduced shelf life, rendering it unsuitable for export. Most fruit damage occurred at green and turning‐red stages of development. Two decision‐making tools were developed, one for winter, when WFT populations increase slowly but crop value is high (export market); and the second for spring, when the pest increases rapidly but crop value is low (local markets). Economic thresholds of 10 and 24 WFT/flower were calculated for winter and spring strawberries, respectively, based on direct thrips damage to fruit. This calculation does not take into account the recorded WFT damage to flowers, or its role in facilitating Botrytis cinerea fruit infection. Western flower thrips has proved only an occasional economic pest in Israeli strawberries, and no routine control measures are warranted. Furthermore, augmentative releases of Orius laevigatus or Neoseilus cucumeris against WFT are not justified in this system, because Orius colonizes strawberry fields spontaneously in high numbers when no broad spectrum insecticides are used.     

Temperature-mediated relationship between western flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and chrysanthemum

Modeling the effect of temperature on the sustainability of insect-plant interactions requires assessment of both insect and plant performance. We examined the effect of temperature on western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), a generalist herbivore with a high reproductive rate, and chrysanthemum inflorescences, a high quality but relatively fixed, ephemeral resource for thrips population growth. We hypothesized that different thrips versus plant responses to temperature result in significant statistical interaction of temperature with thrips abundance and flower damage attributes over time. Experiments were conducted at five temperatures between 20.7 and 35.3 degrees C, with thrips infestation and time after infestation as main effects. Only minor, uncontrolled variations in relative humidity and light intensity may otherwise have influenced the results. High temperatures lead to an initially rapid increase in density of thrips followed by abrupt declines in abundance. The rate of floral senescence increased with temperature and thrips infestation, as indicated by a reduced fresh biomass and greater leaching of yellow pigments. Multiple regression indicated that indices of plant damage responded more directly to thrips density at low than high temperature, supporting the conclusion that temperature affected the outcome beyond what was predictable simply from differential plant and insect optima. The relative intensity of damage caused by individual thrips decreased with increasing temperature, likely caused by thrips competition and reduced survival, growth, and fecundity on depleted inflorescences. Reduced per capita damage at high temperature may be common in insects exploiting fixed plant resources that exhibit an accelerated rate of deterioration at high temperatures.     

THE BIOLOGY OF THYSANOPTERA WITH REFERENCE TO THE COTTON PLANT

Investigations were made of the degree of infestation of plants grown in light soil and in clay soil sown at different dates. The plants sown late in the season in light soil were more affected by the thrips, the infestation being relatively high almost from the germination of the plant and causing death before the flowering stage was reached. On the blocks of plants in light soil sown earlier in the year the infestation was relatively low for a considerable period, and although, at the end of the season, the thrips became very numerous on these plants it was not until after the bolls had been formed, and in this case the practical damage was small.
The plants sown in clay soil at different dates did not show such a marked difference in the degree of infestation, and all were less infested by the insects than the corresponding blocks of plants in light soil. This corroborates the findings of previous experiments, namely, that plants grown in light soil are found to be more heavily infested by T. tabaci than plants grown under similar conditions in clay soil.
I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Prof. Dunkerly for his helpful criticism, Miss R. M. Smith and Mr I. Thomas for their assistance in making the counts, and Mr R. Stewart for his analysis of the soils used.     

Plant morphological traits associated with field resistance to cardamom thrips (Sciothrips cardamomi) in cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Cardamom thrips (Sciothrips cardamomi) is a major insect pest of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) causing severe economic losses to the crop in all cardamom producing countries. The present control measures rely heavily on chemical insecticides, which in addition to increased input costs also lead to pesticide residues in the produce and environmental hazards. Although the crop is of high commercial value, limited efforts have been made to identify sources of resistance to this major pest. Exploiting sources of resistance along with integrated pest management tactics will help to reduce pesticide usage in this crop promoting sustainable production. The present study aimed at identifying sources of resistance against cardamom thrips and the associated plant morphological traits conferring resistance against the pest. Field screening of 180 cardamom germplasm accessions for 3 years at Appangala, Karnataka, India, resulted in identification of eight accessions resistant to cardamom thrips. Differences in panicle type and the nature of adherence of leaf sheath to the pseudostem explained a significant amount of the variance in resistance and therefore are likely to play a major role in conferring resistance against this pest. Multiple regression analysis of the different traits indicated that accessions with prostrate panicles having leaf sheath loosely adhered to the pseudostems were found to have significantly less thrips damage, when compared with other panicle and leaf sheath types. However, persistence of flower bract did not have a significant additive effect on imparting resistance against thrips. Metabolomic analysis of the accessions may provide further insight into the existence of supplementary biochemical mechanisms, if any, in imparting resistance. The identified traits and accessions can be exploited in future breeding programmes for developing thrips resistant cardamom varieties.     

Antagonistic plant defense system regulated by phytohormones assists interactions among vector insect, thrips and a tospovirus

The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a polyphagous herbivore that causes serious damage to many agricultural plants. In addition to causing feeding damage, it is also a vector insect that transmits tospoviruses such as Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). We previously reported that thrips feeding on plants induces a jasmonate (JA)-regulated plant defense, which negatively affects both the performance and preference (i.e. host plant attractiveness) of the thrips. The antagonistic interaction between a JA-regulated plant defense and a salicylic acid (SA)-regulated plant defense is well known. Here we report that TSWV infection allows thrips to feed heavily and multiply on Arabidopsis plants. TSWV infection elevated SA contents and induced SA-regulated gene expression in the plants. On the other hand, TSWV infection decreased the level of JA-regulated gene expression induced by thrips feeding. Importantly, we also demonstrated that thrips significantly preferred TSWV-infected plants to uninfected plants. In JA-insensitive coi1-1 mutants, however, thrips did not show a preference for TSWV-infected plants. In addition, SA application to wild-type plants increased their attractiveness to thrips. Our results suggest the following mechanism: TSWV infection suppresses the anti-herbivore response in plants and attracts its vector, thrips, to virus-infected plants by exploiting the antagonistic SA-JA plant defense systems.     

The distribution of immature thrips among flowers of faba beans in commercial crops and experimental plots

Numbers of eggs and larvae of thrips {Kakothrips pisivorus (Westw.)) infesting pistils of various stocks of faba beans (Viciafaba L.) were recorded in different environments. By the end of flowering in spring beans, 25 times as many flowers were infested with, on average, twice as many thrips, as at the onset of flowering in winter beans. Within each of two seasons, levels of infestation varied up to 30-fold with location. At a single location, some bean stocks were much more heavily infested (greater proportions of flowers contained thrips and/or greater numbers of thrips per infested pistil) than others. Levels of infestation were not clearly associated with the closed-flower character (cf). Stocks with lush growth were more heavily infested than those with either generally restricted growth or with terminal inflorescences (ti). Those with white flowers, long pods or cytoplasmic male-sterility were more infested than those which contrasted for these three characters. The path of the pollen tubes was blocked by eggs of thrips in less than 0–5% of flowers. Infestation had no apparent effect on the fertilisation of flowers.     

Increased damage by western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis in chrysanthemum intercropped with subterranean clover

Suppressive effects of intercropping on Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) infestations have been reported in several crops. However, this study demonstrates that in year-round chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev, undersowing with subterranean clover, Trifolium subterraneum L., results in an increased thrips feeding damage. In a pot experiment, performed with chrysanthemum plants (cultivars Reagan and Tiger) grown with or without subterranean clover, significantly more leaves with silver and growth damage were found in the chrysanthemum plants with subterranean clover in comparison with the monocropped chrysanthemum plants. Similarly, the degree of deformation of leaf perimeter and leaf surface was higher in the top leaves of the intercropped chrysanthemum plant. In the soil experiment (only performed with Tiger and plants were grown in the soil in the greenhouse) intercropped chrysanthemum plants suffered a higher feeding damage as well. Analysis of the relation between silver or growth damage and the thrips pressure demonstrates that at similar thrips pressure in the intercropped chrysanthemum plants suffered significantly more damage. The higher thrips pressure in the intercropped chrysanthemum only explains the differences in damage partly. Changes in the reaction of chrysanthemum plants to thrips feeding or in the behaviour of the thrips, mediated by the presence of the non-host crop, are discussed. Our explanation is that chrysanthemum plants grown with clover are more susceptible to thrips feeding than monocropped plants. We conclude that undersowing with clover does not contribute to reduce damage by F. occidentalis in year-round chrysanthemum. Also, the influence of crop diversification on a pest cannot be foreseen until the specific characteristics of each individual crop – pest system are studied.     

Resistance factors in pepper inhibit larval development of thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)

The western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] is a major pest in pepper cultivation. Therefore, host plant resistance to thrips is a desirable trait. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of resistance on the development of thrips and to identify metabolite compounds related to the resistance. Three highly resistant, three medium resistant, and three susceptible pepper accessions were used in this study. Adult and pre‐adult survival, developmental time, and oviposition rate were assessed. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to identify compounds that correlate with the level of resistance to thrips. Our results show that resistance of pepper accessions has a significant effect on oviposition rate and larval mortality. Seven compounds were identified that correlate with resistance to thrips and six compounds were identified that correlate with susceptibility to thrips. Some of these compounds, such as tocopherols, were previously shown to have an effect on insects in general. Also, some specific secondary metabolites (alkanes) seem to be more abundant in susceptible accessions and were induced by thrips infestation.     

Species composition of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) on cultivated chrysanthemum (Asteraceae) in Okinawa,southwestern Japan

We investigated the species composition of phytophagous thrips and spider mites on cultivated chrysanthemum in Okinawa, southwestern Japan. Eight thrips species belonging to the genera Frankliniella, Microcephalothrips, Scirtothrips and Thrips were found on chrysanthemum leaves. Among them, Thrips nigropilosus was the predominant species irrespective of season, island or cultivation environment (meshed greenhouse or open field), with its infestation frequency being 89% of the fields in which thrips occurred. This high frequency of occurrence suggests that T. nigropilosus is a major pest of chrysanthemum in Okinawa, even though this species has rarely been regarded as an important pest of chrysanthemum or other crops in any other areas. Thrips palmi was the second most dominant (infestation frequency 36%) and other species were scarce (<14%). Tetranychus urticae (green form) was the only tetranychid species on chrysanthemum in our survey. This lack of diversity among spider mites on chrysanthemum is peculiar considering that eight Tetranychus species have been found on vegetables in the same area. Since T. urticae (green form) has been shown to be resistant to a number of pesticides, severe pesticide applications might have simplified the spider mite fauna on chrysanthemum in Okinawa.     

Cultural and insecticidal control of Thrips tabaci on onions in the Sudan

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is the major pest of onions in the Sudan. In the Gezira Scheme onions are normally transplanted between October and January when the thrips population is very low. Later, thrips commence to breed. Early transplanted onions were well established before infestations became severe and, without the need for insecticidal control, produced significantly higher yields. Onions transplanted later, when thrips began to multiply, produced lower yields. Depending on the duration and intensity of infestation three to five sprays applied at fortnightly intervals were required to control thrips on the late transplanted crop. The effect of spray frequency on the development and yield of onions was investigated and the response found to be solely due to the extent of thrips control achieved. The toxicant itself had no effect on growth. Although the leaves were unaffected by the various treatments, spraying when most thrips were present increased fresh and dry leaf weights, bulb weight and, in the Hudeiba cultivar, the proportion of flowering plants. With the late-transplanted crop, light infestations led to yield losses of at least 39% whilst severe thrips attacks reduced the crop by 57%.     

杨四刺瘿螨的生物学及发生为害特征

杨四刺瘿螨Tetraspinus populi Kuang et Hong是杨树上发生的一种新害虫。调查显示,在不同的杨树品种上该螨的发生及危害程度不同。暖冬和少雨有利于该螨的发生。在2025品种上发生最重,2001品种上次之。1、2年树龄的杨树发生较重,3、4年树龄的发生较轻。     

Pest species diversity enhances control of spider mites and whiteflies by a generalist phytoseiid predator

To test the hypothesis that pest species diversity enhances biological pest control with generalist predators, we studied the dynamics of three major pest species on greenhouse cucumber: Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), and two-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch in combination with the predator species Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot. When spider mites infested plants prior to predator release, predatory mites were not capable of controlling spider mite populations in the absence of other pest species. A laboratory experiment showed that predators were hindered by the webbing of spider mites. In a greenhouse experiment, spider mite leaf damage was lower in the presence of thrips and predators than in the presence of whiteflies and predators, but damage was lowest in the presence of thrips, whiteflies and predators. Whitefly control was also improved in the presence of thrips. The lower levels of spider mite leaf damage probably resulted from (1) a strong numerical response of the predator (up to 50 times higher densities) when a second and third pest species were present in addition to spider mites, and (2) from A. swirskii attacking mobile spider mite stages outside or near the edges of the spider mite webbing. Interactions of spider mites with thrips and whiteflies might also result in suppression of spider mites. However, when predators were released prior to spider mite infestations in the absence of other pest species, but with pollen as food for the predators, we found increased suppression of spider mites with increased numbers of predators released, confirming the role of predators in spider mite control. Thus, our study provides evidence that diversity of pest species can enhance biological control through increased predator densities.     

基于生物防治的西花蓟马治理及思考

西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis（Pergande）是世界性的大害虫,对温室中蔬菜花卉造成巨大的危害。20世纪70年代后在世界范围内广泛而迅速地传播蔓延,近年入侵中国。西花蓟马对农药产生了广泛的抗性,使得生物防治一直作为其综合治理中的主导措施。本文综述了世界上西花蓟马生物防治的现状,以期为中国西花蓟马的治理提供一定的借鉴作用。     

Biocoenology and control of whiteflies in sericulture

Abstract The damage caused by the whiteflies Dialeuropora decempuncta (Quaintance & Baker, 1913), Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, and Aleuroclava sp. to mulberry plants is extensive and they cause a huge economic loss to mulberry leaves which affects silkworm rearing. Dialeuropora decempuncta is a major pest in western Bengal, whereas spiralling whitefly A. dispersus has been reported to attack mulberry plants in South India. The whiteflies are present throughout the year in south India, with high populations in summer (March—June) and low ones in winter (October—January). The population is positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with humidity. Chemical control is the quick solution to minimize the pest population. However, the indiscriminate and large-scale use of highly poisonous synthetic chemical pesticides has resulted in ecological imbalance, in addition to their toxic effects on living organisms, including human beings. Hence there is a need for developing methods and materials within an eco-friendly atmosphere. Previous investigations indicate that neem-based insecticides may be a suitable alternative for pest management in sericulture. Use of neem products in sericultural pest control has many merits. It will also help in the successful introduction of biological controls in India. Several exotic parasitoids have been found to be highly effective, including two aphelinid parasitoids Encarsia haitiensis Dozier and E. meritoria Gahan. These are most promising and are reported to minimize the fly pest population. The parasitization potential and behaviour of the parasitoids have to be carefully assessed before they are introduced to control fly pest populations. There is a need for careful assessment of all these advanced biological technologies in order to develop a profitable, safe and durable approach for whitefly control in sericulture.     

Assessing abundance and distribution of an invasive thrips Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in south Florida

Within-plant and within-field distribution of larvae and adults of an invasive thrips species, Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) on cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. was studied in 2008 and 2009 in Homestead, Florida. The majority of thrips were found inhabiting flowers of cucumber plants and little or none was found on the other parts of the plant. Thrips were aggregated in the field, as indicated by the two regression models, Taylor's power and Iwao's patchiness regression. Iwao's patchiness regression provided a better fit than Taylor's power law. The distribution was clumped during the initial stages of infestation at the edges of the field and became random thereafter. However, with increase in population density, thrips again formed aggregates in the field. Based on the average pest density per flower in a ～0.25-ha field, minimum sample size (number of flowers) required at the recommended precision level (0.25) was 51. The number of samples required at two levels of predetermined pest density was also calculated, which would help growers in collecting optimum number of samples required to determine the correct threshold level of pest in fields. Results from seasonal abundance indicated that density of thrips peaked during the fifth week of sampling with an average of 25 and 34 adults per ten flowers during autumn 2008 and 2009, respectively. Results from these studies will help growers and extension personnel in understanding the abundance and distribution of F. schultzei in the field, which are important components required in developing a sound management program.