Mw. M.G. Tommasini : Evaluation of Orius species for biological control of Frankliniella occidentalis

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8 Sep 2003 13:30
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula (gebouw 362), Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Promotor: prof.dr. J.C. van Lenteren (Entomology)

 This research aimed to develop a biological control programme for Frankliniella occidentalis (Western Flower Thrips) through selection of an efficient beneficial arthropod. The status of the thrips pest species in Europe, and F. occidentalis in particular, is presented based on literature information. The most promising predators of WFT on which the studies were carried out are Orius species. From the most common Italian species, three were chosen to evaluate biological characteristics (the palaeartic O. majusculus, O. laevigatus and O. niger) and compared with the nearctic O. insidiosus. The occurrence of diapause in two Italian strains of O. laevigatus was studied. Subsequently, the capacity of O. laevigatus to control thrips pests was studied by releases of this predator in commercial greenhouses on sweet pepper and egg-plant. The South-Italian strain of O. laevigatus was the most efficient natural enemy of thrips and F. occidentalis. Currently, this strain is widely produced in Europe for thrips control.
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