Loquat, a non-native plant in Türkiye, is a key seasonal host in the life cycle of Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan, 1913) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

AbstractThe Hawaiian flower thrips, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan, 1913) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an important pest of several fruit crops in Türkiye’s Mediterranean region, one of the world’s major citrus-growing regions. In this study, the population fluctuation of T. hawaiiensis and other thrips species was investigated in citrus orchards, weeds, and nearby loquat trees. Results showed significant differences in populations of T. hawaiiensis among citrus varieties. The highest population density and damage ratio of T. hawaiiensis among citrus species were recorded in lemon variety (Kütdiken). Thrips hawaiiensis was detected on Daucus carota L. and Amaranthus albus L. among weeds as well as on flowers of loquat in the sampling area. The life cycle of T. hawaiiensis switched seasonally among citrus, weed, and loquat host plants. In addition, Melanthrips pallidior (Priesner, 1919) was the predominant species on weeds in the sampling area. These data suggest that T. hawaiiensis populations may be affected by climatic variations and hosts in and around the citrus orchard. The results are important in optimizing thrips monitoring and management strategies in citrus.