First Record of the Predatory Insects, Androthrips ramachandrai (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) and Montandoniola indica Yamada (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on the Pest Thrips, Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in Turkey

Abstract

The Cuban laurel thrips, Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), is widely distributed to the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey and causing damage to Ficus microcarpa var. nitida plants. Biological control of G. ficorum has a crucial role to maintain the population density of this pest insect at an acceptable level on Ficus trees. For this reason, to determine the potential biological control agents of this pest, survey studies have been done in Adana and Mersin provinces. The Androthrips ramachandarai (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), and the Montandoniola indica Yamada (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were reported for the first time in Turkey in 2020 on G. ficorum that damaging young leaves of the F. microcarpa. Brief diagnoses of G. ficorum and both predatory species were provided. A total of 249 adults of A. ramachandrai and 461 individuals of M. indica were detected in the galled leaves infested with G. ficorum. Moreover, 1959 adults, 1335 immatures and 11851 eggs of G. ficorum were also recorded. There was a positive relationship between pest eggs-A. ramachandrai adults and pest larvae-M. indica adults. Ratios of prey/predatory insects indicated that the predators might have the capability in suppressing the pest thrips on Ficus trees.