Comparison of two methods of monitoring thrips populations in a greenhouse rose crop

Abstract

The thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is among the most important pests of greenhouse crops in Europe and causes considerable damage to commercial rose crops. The usage of pesticides is associated with major problems, and thus the interest of implementing integrated pest management (IPM) for rose crops is increasing. One essential component of IPM is field monitoring/scouting. Growers use information gathered from scouting to select and schedule appropriate control tactics. Thrips populations were surveyed in 2005 and 2006 in a greenhouse planted with roses, Rosa x Hybrida in Southern of France. From April to August, thrips were counted using yellow sticky traps (YST), knock-down techniques [i.e., tapping flower heads (FT)] and actual counts of entire plants. Thrips abundance recorded using YST correlated well with abundance levels determined through FT or actual counts (whole plant). Our results demonstrate that it is accurate to estimate thrips populations using YST in rose crops in greenhouse. Because YST takes at least twice less time than other monitoring methods, it could be used as a valid and easy monitoring technique in further development of IPM programs on roses. The possibility of setting a damage threshold using the data from the YST in the greenhouse is discussed.

Yellow traps reloaded: what is the benefit for decision making in practice?

“…In practice and the literature, yellow trap catches are often used to estimate adult population densities (Hall 2009;Pizzol et al 2010). In our study, this correlation was less reliable as compared to the correlation with nymphal counts of the previous week.…”

The occurrence of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood in mango orchards and factors influencing its population dynamics in Taiwan

“…Five trees of each mango cultivars were randomly selected and bright yellow sticky boards (28 cm in length and 32 cm in width, Zenn Young Agricultural products Ltd. Taichung, Taiwan) used as traps were placed at the edge of tree branches (Pizzol et al, 2010). To prevent position shift caused by the wind, iron wires were used to affix the sticky traps on branches, ensuring that the four traps each faced east, west, south, or north.…”

Non-target effects of commonly used plant protection products in roses on the predatory mite Euseius gallicus Kreiter & Tixier (Acari: Phytoseidae)

“…2 Also, thrips pests, mainly the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), cause severe damage, mainly to rose flowers. 6 Other pests attacking roses include mealybugs, leaf miners and caterpillars. 7 Apart from pests, the powdery mildew Podosphaera pannosa (Wallr.…”