scholarly journals Effect of Plant-growing Media on Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, Pupae and Fungus Gnat, Bradysia sp. nr. coprophila, Larvae under Laboratory Conditions

HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 1323-1326
Author(s):  
Nathan J. Herrick ◽  
Raymond A. Cloyd
Keyword(s):  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Larval Mortality ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Fungus Gnat

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) are major insect pests of greenhouse production systems. Both insect pests have life stages that reside in the soil or plant-growing medium: prepupae and pupae of western flower thrips and fungus gnat larvae. There are unsubstantiated allegations made by a manufacturer that certain plant-growing media that contain a bacterium, Bacillus pumilus, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus intraradices, negatively affect the survival of western flower thrips pupae and fungus gnat larvae. Therefore, we conducted a study involving laboratory experiments replicated over time (2019 and 2020) to investigate the influence of the plant-growing media Pro-Mix BX + Mycorrhizae and Pro-Mix BX + Biofungicide + Mycorrhizae on western flower thrips pupae and fungus gnat larvae. All experiments involved placing western flower thrips pupae or fungus gnat larvae (second and third instar) into 473-mL deli containers with the different treatments (plant-growing media). A 5 × 4-cm section of a yellow sticky card was affixed to the lid of each deli container. After 21 days, the number of western flower thrips or fungus gnat adults that emerged from the growing media and were captured on the yellow sticky cards was recorded. The use of the yellow sticky card was an indirect assessment of western flower thrips pupal or fungus gnat larval mortality. We found none of the plant-growing media tested that contained a bacterium and/or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus affected the survival of western flower thrips pupae or fungus gnat larvae. Therefore, greenhouse producers should be leery of information provided by manufacturers that does not contain valid, scientifically based data.

scholarly journals Effect of Insecticide Drench Applications on Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, Pupae in Growing Media

HortScience ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 890-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinping Li ◽  
Raymond A. Cloyd ◽  
Nora M. Bello
Keyword(s):  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Residual Activity ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Insect Growth Regulator ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Untreated Check

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is one of the most destructive insect pests of greenhouse-grown horticultural crops. The primary method of managing western flower thrips populations involves applications of insecticides; however, there is no information associated with the effect of the insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, or the entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea, on western flower thrips pupae in growing media. Therefore, four laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of pyriproxyfen and I. fumosorosea applied as a drench to growing media on western flower thrips pupae. Expt. 1 evaluated the efficacy of pyriproxyfen and I. fumosorosea on western flower thrips pupae. Based on the results from Expt. 1, Expt. 2 assessed the effect of pyriproxyfen in two growing media (LC1 and BM1) on western flower thrips pupae. Expts. 3 and 4 determined the residual activity of pyriproxyfen in growing media on western flower thrips pupae 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after treatments were applied. The pyriproxyfen treatment resulted in a significantly lower estimated mean probability of western flower thrips adults captured on yellow sticky cards (17%) compared with the water control (59%), untreated check (88%), and two I. fumosorosea treatments (46% for 1.0 g and 41% for 2.0 g of Ancora) in Expt. 1. However, for the two growing media in Expt. 2, the estimated mean probability of western flower thrips adults captured on yellow sticky cards was not significantly different between the pyriproxyfen treatment (LC1 = 15%; BM1 = 12%) and the water control (LC1 = 41%; BM1 = 24%). For either the pyriproxyfen treatment or the untreated check, there was no evidence of a significant difference between the two growing media on the estimated mean probability of western flower thrips adults captured on yellow sticky cards. Furthermore, there was no evidence of any residual activity 3 days after drench applications of pyriproxyfen. The results of the study have demonstrated that drench applications of pyriproxyfen are not affecting survival of western flower thrips pupae.

Predation Efficacy of Rove Beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) Adults in Response to Western Flower Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Pupal Stage, Predator–Prey Ratio, and Searchable Area

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 350-365
Author(s):  
Yinping Li ◽  
Raymond A. Cloyd ◽  
Nora M. Bello
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Pupal Stage ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Rove Beetle ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Minimal Information

Abstract The rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria (Kraatz) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), is a soil-dwelling predator that preys upon insect pests residing in growing media. Minimal information exists addressing its predation on western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), below-ground life stages. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effects of western flower thrips pupal stage, predator–prey ratio, and searchable area on predation efficacy of rove beetle adults. In Experiment 1, predation was recorded in response to two thrips pupal stages (prepupae and pupae); three predator–prey ratios (1:5, 1:10, 1:15) and predator–prey ratios that were 2, 3, and 4 times greater. Experiment 2 was designed to assess predation in response to those predator–prey ratios along with searchable areas in 15.2- and 11.5-cm-diameter containers. Response was measured by capturing thrips adults on yellow sticky cards (YSC) as they emerged from pupation. The estimated mean probability of thrips adults captured on the cards was significantly higher for the 1:5 (61.1%) than for the 1:10 (39%) and 1:15 (34.7%) predator–prey ratios. The estimated mean probability of thrips adults captured on the cards for 2 times the predator–prey ratio (57%) was significantly higher than 3 times (37.2%) and 4 times (40.6%) the ratios. A significantly higher estimated mean probability of thrips adults was captured on the cards in the 15.2-cm-diameter containers than in the 11.5-cm-diameter containers. We conclude that a predator–prey ratio of 1:15 would result in fewer rove beetle adults needed to reduce western flower thrips prepupae/pupae stages and subsequent adult populations.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF FUNGUS GNATS, BRADYSIA SPP. (DIPTERA: SCIARIDAE), AND WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS, FRANKLINIELLA OCCIDENTALS (PERGANDE) (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE), IN GREENHOUSES USING A SOIL-DWELLING PREDATORY MITE, GEOLAELAPS SP. NR. ACULEIFER (CANESTRINI) (ACARI: LAELAPIDAE)

1990 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 975-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Gillespie ◽  
Donald M.J. Quiring
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Predatory Mite ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Fungus Gnats ◽  
Fungus Gnat ◽  
Greenhouse Cucumber ◽  
Crop Cycle ◽  
Hydroponically Grown

AbstractA soil-dwelling predatory mite, Geolaelaps sp. nr. aculeifer (Canestrini), introduced inundatively at a rate of 6000 mites per plant to the sawdust substrate of hydroponically grown, greenhouse cucumbers significantly reduced numbers of fungus gnat, Bradysia spp., larvae and adults over a 10-week period. Inundative introductions of 1600 mites per plant reduced emergence of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), adults to about 30% of that in the controls over a 40-day trial. An inoculative introduction of 125 mites per plant to cucumber plants in selected rows in a commercial greenhouse reduced peak fungus gnat numbers to about 20% of those in untreated rows. These results suggest that a single inoculative introduction of Geolaelaps sp. nr. aculeifer, early in the crop cycle, would maintain control of fungus gnat populations in greenhouse cucumber crops at an acceptable level. This predator would also contribute to biological control of western flower thrips by reducing emergence of adults.

scholarly journals Insect Management in Floriculture: How Important Is Sanitation in Avoiding Insect Problems?

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 633-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian K. Hogendorp ◽  
Raymond A. Cloyd
Keyword(s):  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Insect Management ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Growing Medium ◽  
Pot Marigold ◽  
Central Illinois

Sanitation, which includes removing plant and growing medium debris, is an important component of any greenhouse or nursery pest management program. However, there is minimal quantitative information on how sanitation practices can reduce pest problems. In this study, conducted from May through Nov. 2005, we evaluated plant and growing medium debris as a source of insect pests from four greenhouses located in central Illinois. Two 32-gal refuse containers were placed in each greenhouse with a 3 × 5-inch yellow sticky card attached to the underside of each refuse container lid. Each week, yellow sticky cards and plastic refuse bags were collected from the containers and insects captured on the yellow sticky cards were identified. Insects captured on the yellow sticky cards were consistent across the four greenhouses with western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.), and whiteflies (Bemisia spp.) the primary insects present each week. Insect numbers, in order of prevalence on the yellow sticky cards, varied across the four locations, which may be related to the type of plant debris discarded. For example, extremely high numbers of adult whiteflies (range = 702 to 1930) were captured on yellow sticky cards in one greenhouse each month from August through November. This was due to the presence of yellow sage (Lantana camera), bee balm (Monarda didyma), garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida), common zinnia (Zinnia elegans), sage (Salvia spp.) and fuchsia (Fuschia spp.) debris that was heavily-infested with the egg, nymph, pupa, and adult stages of whiteflies. High western flower thrips adult numbers in the greenhouses were generally associated with plant types such as marguerite daisy (Dendranthema frutescens) and pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) disposed while in bloom with opened yellow flowers, which contained adult western flower thrips. Based on the results of this study, it is important that greenhouse producers timely remove plant and growing medium debris from greenhouses or place debris into refuse containers with tight-sealing lids to prevent insect pests from escaping.

scholarly journals Getting Mixed-Up: Are Greenhouse Producers Adopting Appropriate Pesticide Mixtures to Manage Arthropod Pests?

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 638-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond A. Cloyd
Keyword(s):  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Pesticide Mixture ◽  
Pesticide Mixtures ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Arthropod Pests ◽  
Arthropod Pest

Pesticide mixtures are commonly used by greenhouse producers to deal with the array of arthropod (insect and mite) pests encountered in greenhouses. Greenhouse producers tank mix pesticides due to convenience because it is less time consuming, costly, and labor intensive to mix together two or more pesticides into a single spray solution and then perform one spray application compared with making multiple applications. Pesticide mixtures may also result in improved arthropod pest control. However, there has been no quantitative assessment to determine what pesticide mixtures (two-, three-, and four-way combinations) are being adopted by greenhouse producers and why. As such, a survey was conducted by distributing evaluation forms in conjunction with three sessions at two greenhouse producer conferences (two in 2007 and one in 2008) to obtain data on the types of pesticide mixtures used by greenhouse producers and determine if there are any problems associated with these pesticide mixtures. The evaluation form requested that participants provide information on the four most common pesticide mixtures (insecticides and/or miticides) used and for what specific arthropod pests. The response rate of the evaluation forms was 22.5% (45/200). The two-way pesticide mixture that was cited most often (n = 8) was the abamectin (Avid) and bifenthrin (Talstar) combination. The two pesticides typically included in a majority of the two-way and three-way mixtures were spinosad (Conserve) and abamectin. Spinosad was a component of 17 two-way and 7 three-way combinations, while abamectin was cited in 15 two-way and 9 three-way combinations. Both products are labeled for control of the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), which is one of the most important insect pests in greenhouses. One pesticide mixture that was difficult to interpret involved the fungicides, thiophanate-methyl (Cleary's 3336) and metalaxyl (Subdue). This mixture was cited twice, and the arthropod pest listed was thrips (Thysanoptera). However, both fungicides have no insecticidal activity. Two of the mixtures listed in the survey used pesticides with similar modes of action: acephate (Orthene) + methiocarb (Mesurol), and pyrethrins (Pyreth-It) + bifenthrin (Talstar). A number of the pesticide mixtures listed for spider mites (Tetranychidae) were questionable due to similar life stage activity of the a.i. as indicated on the label including fenpyroximate (Akari) + clofentezine (Ovation), abamectin + chlorfenapyr (Pylon), and bifenazate (Floramite) + etoxazole (TetraSan). In fact, 38% of pesticide mixtures cited for twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) control should have been avoided due to analogous life stage activity. The data obtained from the survey clearly demonstrates that greenhouse producers implement a wide-range of pesticide mixtures to deal with the multitude of arthropod pests in greenhouses. However, the basis by which greenhouse producers decide the types of pesticides to mix together is not known. As such, the survey data can be used to direct future multistate or multiregional extension (outreach) efforts in developing programs specifically designed to educate greenhouse producers on which pesticides should and should not be mixed together.

Managing Western Flower Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Lettuce and Green Peach Aphid and Cabbage Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Broccoli with Chemical Insecticides and the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surendra K. Dara
Keyword(s):  
Beauveria Bassiana ◽  
Entomopathogenic Fungus ◽  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Green Peach Aphid ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Good Control ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Cabbage Aphid ◽  
Flower Thrips

Aims:Lettuce and broccoli are high value vegetable crops in California. The western flower thrips,Frankliniella occidentalison lettuce, and the cabbage aphid,Brevicoryne brassicaeand the green peach aphid,Myzus persicaeon broccoli are important insect pests that are frequently managed with chemical insecticides.Observation:Efficacy of various chemical insecticides and the entomopathogenic fungusBeauveria bassianawas evaluated against these pests in field studies in the Santa Maria area of California. Some insecticides varied in their efficacy againstF. occidentalisfrom year to year and against different aphid species.Conclusion:A new insecticide sulfoxaflor provided good control of aphids on broccoli.Beauveria bassianademonstrated a potential for broccoli and lettuce integrated pest management.

scholarly journals A thrips vector of tomato spotted wilt virus responds to tomato acylsugar chemical diversity with reduced oviposition and virus inoculation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulley Ben-Mahmoud ◽  
Taylor Anderson ◽  
Thomas M. Chappell ◽  
John R. Smeda ◽  
Martha A. Mutschler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus ◽  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Chemical Diversity ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Tomato Spotted Wilt ◽  
Wilt Virus

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that acylsugars deter insect pests and plant virus vectors, including the western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), vector of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Acylsugars are sugar-polyesters composed of saturated, un-saturated, and variously branched short and long chain fatty acids (FAs) esterified to a glucose (acylglucose) or sucrose (acylsucrose) moiety. We sought to understand how acylsucrose amount and composition of associated FA profiles interacted to mediate resistance to WFT oviposition and TSWV inoculation on tomato leaves. Towards this goal, we examined WFT oviposition and TSWV inoculation behavior on tomato lines bred to exude varying amounts of acylsucrose in association with diverse FA profiles. Our data show that as acylsucrose amounts increased, WFT egg-laying (oviposition) decreased and TSWV inoculation was suppressed. Western flower thrips also responded to FA profiles that included iC4, iC11, nC12 and nC10 FA. These findings support improving acylsugar-mediated resistance against WFT by breeding tomatoes exuding greater amounts of acylsucrose associated with specific FA profiles. We show that increasing acylsucrose amount output by type IV trichomes and selecting for particular FA profiles through advanced breeding profoundly affects WFT behavior in ways that benefit management of WFT as direct pests and as TSWV vectors.

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