Thrips management using Banker plant systems

Authors: SCHOELLER, ERICH - University Of Florida; McKenzie, Cindy; Ahmed, Muhammad; OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Growertalks
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2023
Publication Date: 5/1/2023
Citation: Schoeller, E.N., Mckenzie, C.L., Ahmed, M.Z., Osborne, L. 2023. Thrips management using Banker plant systems. Growertalks. https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=26177&.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Thrips (Thysanoptera) are major global pests of vegetables and ornamentals grown within protected agriculture. Thrips feeding activity deprives the plant of nutrients, causes physical damages that could lead to plant death, and may transmit viral pathogens. This can ultimately lead to reduced crop yield, aesthetic value, marketability, regulatory consequences, and economic losses. Many of the thrips problems we have in foliage plant production in Florida greenhouses are the result of 3 primary species: Echinothrips americanus, Scirtothrips dorsalis, and most recently, the invasive Thrips parvispinus. A variety of banker plant systems in Florida have been developed against major greenhouse pests, including whiteflies and aphids. These banker plant systems arose due to the need for alternative predator release and retention strategies for existing biological control programs. Recent studies using the large predatory thrips Franklinothrips vespiformis native to Florida have shown very promising results for E. americanus control in greenhouses. This predator also is effective in managing whitefly and spider mites in the crop. Studies have shown the addition of supplemental food, such as decapsulated brine shrimp eggs to the crop can promote the persistence of F. vespiformis during periods when prey are absent. This species can also be maintained on banker plants containing an alternative prey and studies are currently being conducted on the best practices for a banker plant system.