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Research Project: Exotic Whitefly Pests of Vegetables and Ornamental Plants

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Title: Biology, behavior and management of chilli thrips, and other invasive thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in south Florida

Author
item KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida
item KAKKAR, GARIMA - University Of Florida
item McKenzie, Cindy
item SEAL, DAKSHINA - University Of Florida
item OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: International Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2016
Publication Date: 9/27/2016
Citation: Kumar, V., Kakkar, G., McKenzie, C.L., Seal, D., Osborne, L.S. 2016. Biology, behavior and management of chilli thrips, and other invasive thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in south Florida[abstract]. International Congress of Entomology. September 25-30, 2016, Orlando, Florida. doe:10.1603/ICE.2016.939665

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The rich vegetation and Neotropical climate of Florida make the state suitable for the invasion and establishment of exotic flora and fauna. In the past two decades, there are multiple thrips species which have invaded Florida and are considered serious pests owing to the economic or aesthetic damage they inflict on a wide variety of host plants including vegetable, ornamental and tree crops. Chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, and melon thrips Thrips palmi Karny are two such opportunistic species which are extremely polyphagous, and known to cause significant economic damage in south Florida. The great reproductive potential, multivoltine nature, ability to feed on multiple hosts, and keen ability for invasion combined with easy adaptation in a wide range of climatic conditions are a few of the qualities which makes these thrips a major concern for agriculture in many countries. They can reduce yield or value of the crop directly by using them as food and oviposition sites and indirectly by transmitting plant diseases. Common blossom thrips Frankliniella schultzei Trybom is another emerging pest of vegetables in the region posing a serious threat to tomato and pepper growers due to its ability to transmit Groundnut Ring Spot Virus. Discussions on the historical perspective, biology, behavior, biological/chemical control of these thrips in south Florida will be presented.