Species diversity of thrips (Thysanoptera) in selected avocado orchards from Mexico based on morphology and molecular data

Abstract

Avocado is one of the most important crops in the world, and Mexico is the largest producer of this fruit. Several insect pests affect its production, and thrips are amongst the most important. A key step in the design of control methods is accurate species identification. Despite this, formal reports on species diversity of thrips in Mexico are very scarce. Morphological identification can sometimes be time-consuming and inconclusive. Therefore, we explored the species diversity of thrips in Mexican avocado orchards (Michoacan state) based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Forty-four specimens were analysed, which represented approximately 8% of all individuals collected from five localities distributed in three Municipalities. All specimens were analysed using the COI marker, and specimens within the genera Frankliniella were also analysed using a marker within the D2 domain of the 28S (28SD2) nuclear ribosomal DNA. Molecular identifications were confirmed using morphological taxonomy. Overall, six genera were found (Neohydatothrips, Scirtothrips, Frankliniella, Arorathrips, Caliothrips and Leptothrips). All genera contained only one species, except Frankliniella, for which there were six species. Data from the two molecular markers suggest the existence of cryptic species within Mexican F. occidentalis populations.

Trap colour and aggregation pheromone dose affect the catch of western flower thrips in blackberry crops

“…This insect feeds on approximately 500 plant species, some of them of economic importance (Badillo‐Vargas et al., 2012; Margaria et al., 2014; Morse & Hoddle, 2006; Ogada, Maiss, & Poehling, 2013; Tzanetakis, Guzmán‐Baeny, VanEsbroeck, Fernandez, & Martin, 2009). In Mexico, this species is considered one of the main insect pests of avocado (Bravo‐Pérez et al., 2018; Ramírez‐Dávila, Solares‐Alonso, Figueroa‐Figueroa, & Sánchez‐Pale, 2013) and soft fruits (Ayala‐Ortega et al., 2019; Cubillos‐Salamanca et al., 2020). Adults and larvae scrape and suck the cell fluids on the surface of leaves and flower petals, causing visible streaks and discolourations, and necrosis of the flower petals, respectively (Castañeda‐González, Johansen‐Naime, Hernández‐Vásquez, & Aparicio‐Parra, 2011; Castresana et al., 2008).…”

DNA Barcoding: A Reliable Method for the Identification of Thrips Species (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) Collected on Sticky Traps in Onion Fields

“…Our results have revealed a high genetic variation for the presence of haplotypes referred to in all the nine species tested. According to similar data recorded in the literature for the polymorphism showing up Frankliniella species and Thrips tabaci group-species [ 43 , 46 , 47 ], our results need to be improved by using the sequences of conspecific samples collected from different sites. The method is straight-forward, using a single gene region common to all taxa and Sanger-based DNA sequencing under universal conditions.…”

“…The use of reference libraries of barcode sequences for known species is very effective in generating identifications; more than 95% of species in test assemblages of varied animal groups have shown to possess distinctive COI sequences [ 42 ]. DNA barcoding has also become an effective tool in revealing cryptic and potentially new species, which has increased the knowledge of biodiversity [ 30 , 32 , 33 , 46 ]. Furthermore, it is an important new tool in biosecurity.…”

Frontiers Approaches to the Diagnosis of Thrips (Thysanoptera): How Effective Are the Molecular and Electronic Detection Platforms?

“…Analysis of COI sequences proved useful in identifying several thrips species infesting economically important crops in southern Africa [ 50 ], India [ 51 ], and Mexico [ 52 , 53 ]. COI markers are often utilized to substantiate morphological character-based identification [ 44 ].…”