Thrips species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and their abundance on avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in Tetela del Volcán, Morelos, Mexi-co

Objective: To determine the thrips population behavior found in two avocado orchards and their distribution over time. Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty trees were sampled from each orchard. Four 1.5-2 m tall inflorescences or plant sprouts (covering all four cardinal points) were taken randomly from each tree. Insects collected in the field were quantified and characterized in the laboratory. Thrips were identified based on their morphological characteristics. Analysis of variance and comparison of means were carried out. Various simulations were also performed to determine the number of predatory thrips that should be released to control the pest population. Results: Two phytophagous thrips species (Frankliniella difficilis and Scirtothrips perseae) and two predatory thrips species (Frankliniella difficilis and Leptothrips sp.) were identified in Orchard 1. In Orchard 2, only phytophagous thrips (Frankliniella difficilis and Scirtothrips perseae) were identified. Releasing 525 predatory thrips would control the initial pest population in the study orchards. Study Limitations/Implications: Further research should be carried out regarding the use of morphological identification, which by itself may result in an underestimation of the specific diversity of thrips. Findings/Conclusions: Only phytophagous thrips species were initially identified in this study, while predatory thrips species were subsequently observed. The simulation indicated that the number of predators was insufficient to control the pest population