Pupation behaviour of western flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on potted chrysanthemum

Abstract

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a serious pest of greenhouse vegetable and ornamental crops across Canada (Broadbent et al. 1987). Upon completing larval development, F. occidentalis either pupates on their host plant or drops to the ground before pupation occurs (Lewis 1973). Because several soil-dwellers prey on or infect F. occidentalis pupae (Gillespie and Quiring 1990; Helyer et al. 1995), assessing the proportion of individuals that pupate on the ground is of critical importance for developing pest management strategies. The present study provides the first quantitative assessment of the pupation behaviour of F. occidentalis.

Biological control of western flower thrips,Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in gerberas, chrysanthemums and roses

“…Similar published works have recorded recollection rates of about 50-90% (Broadbent et al 2003;Berndt et al 2004;Buitenhuis & Shipp 2008). Low recapture rates appear to be correlated to the size of the experimental area used, with larger plants/arenas having lower recapture rates.…”

“…Literature on pupation and distribution of WFT on gerberas, chrysanthemums and roses is variable, with most suggesting very high levels of WFT pupate in the soil. Studies have found 97% pupation on chrysanthemums (stage unknown), about 90% soil pupation on non-flowering chrysanthemums and flowering and non-flowering roses (Bennison et al 2002a), and only 50-60% soil pupation on flowering chrysanthemums (Broadbent et al 2003;Buitenhuis & Shipp 2008). Only rarely have soil pupation rates been recorded at very low rates, e.g.…”

“…Broadbent et al 2003;Buitenhuis & Shipp 2008). WFT are very susceptible to low relative humidity (RH), requiring about 80% humidity to successfully pupate (Steiner et al 2011).…”

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

“…of certain plant types[16] [30] [40] [41]. For example, studies have reported that western flower thrips will pupate in the complex inflorescences (flowers) of chrysanthemum plants[35] [42]. Factors that can influence western flower thrips pupating on plants include: relative humidity, host plant species, and plant growth stage[38] [42].The proportion of western flower thrips that pupate in the growing medium or soil is likely affected by host plant species[43].…”

Effects of Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivar and Treatment Threshold on Flower Thrips Populations

“…Larval stages are found on the host whereas pupal stages are usually passed in the soil. Late in the 2nd larval instar, the thrips usually drops to the ground where it pupates and remains there until emergence of the adult (Stannard 1968;Broadbent et al 2003; Morse & Hoddle 2006).…”