Unravelling the complete mitochondrial genomes of Thrips tabaci Lindeman and Thrips parvispinus Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and their phylogenetic implications

Onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> Linnaeus) is an important vegetable crop valued for its nutritional properties and economics worldwide. Onion cultivation faces serious threats from pests and diseases, particularly onion thrips (<i>Thrips tabaci</i>), which cause substantial yield losses. Recently, Black thrips (<i>Thrips parvispinus</i>), an invasive key pest of chili, have been reported to cause severe damage in onion crop and is likely to devastate the onion cultivation in near future. Therefore, this study was conducted to address the knowledge gap concerning the genetic basis and evolutionary history of <i>T. tabaci</i> and <i>T. parvispinus</i> through sequencing of their mitochondrial genomes. <i>T. tabaci</i> and <i>T. parvispinus</i> were collected from different locations in Maharashtra, India, and reared in the laboratory. The mitochondrial genomes of <i>T. tabaci</i> and <i>T. parvispinus</i> were sequenced to a length of 15,277 and 15,285 bp, respectively. Both genomes exhibited similar gene organization with regard to thirteen protein-coding genes and two <i>rRNA</i> genes. <i>T. tabaci</i> contained 19 <i>tRNA</i> genes whereas <i>T. parvispinus</i> contained 18 <i>tRNA</i> genes. The evolutionary positions of <i>T. tabaci</i> and <i>T. parvispinus</i> within the Thysanoptera order were elucidated through phylogenetic analysis of the mitogenomes of 15 thrips species. These findings provide crucial insights into the genetic makeup and evolutionary dynamics of both the thrips species, thereby aiding the development of novel and sustainable pest management strategies to mitigate their impacts on crops in the changing climate scenario.