Effects of Predators on the Belowground Life Stages (Prepupae and Pupae) of the Western Flower Thrips, <i>Frankliniella occidentalis</i>(Thripidae: Thysanoptera): A Review

• 作者: Raymond A. Cloyd
• 来源期刊: 昆虫学(英文)
• 学科: 生物学
• 关键词: Predatory Mites Rove Beetle Growing Medium Biological Control Predation
• 年，卷（期）: 2019,（4）
• 页码范围: 71-80
• 页数: 10页
• 分类号: Q96

摘要

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is a major cosmopolitan insect pest causing direct and indirect damage to greenhouse-grown horticultural crops. The primary way of managing western flower thrips populations is by routinely applying insecticides, which target the aboveground life stages: larvae and adult. However, insecticides are minimally effective against the pupal stages (prepupae and pupae) that reside in the growing medium or soil. Therefore, soil-dwelling biological control agents including: predatory mites [Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Hypoaspis = (Geolaelaps) aculeifer], and a rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria may be a viable option to induce mortality on the pupal stages. These predators will feed on the pupal stages of the western flower thrips and can provide mortality on a life stage that is tolerant of insecticide applications. However, these biological control agents need to be used in conjunction with other plant protection strategies, such as insecticides and/or biological control agents that target the aboveground life stages (larvae and adult) to effectively manage western flower thrips populations in greenhouse production systems.