Biological control of Thrips parvispinus

Thrips parvispinus belongs to the Thripidae family and originates from Southeast Asia. In recent years, however, the species has also established itself in Europe and North America and is now considered a significant pest in ornamental plant cultivation and various agricultural crops. The insects are very small (approx. 1 mm), usually yellowish to brown in colour and difficult to see with the naked eye. They are characterised by their piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to pierce plant cells and suck out the cell contents. In English-speaking countries, Thrips parvispinus is also known as the tobacco thrips.

LIFE CYCLE

The life cycle comprises the typical stages: egg, larva 1 and 2, prepupa, pupa and adult. Female thrips lay their eggs in plant tissue. In warm conditions, the larvae hatch after 4-5 days, feed on cell sap and cause visible damage. The larvae are active for 5-6 days before pupating. The prepupa and pupa remain in the substrate or in protected areas on the plant for 2-4 days. The adult insects can then live on the plants for several weeks.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY THRIPS PARVISPINUS

The damage is caused by piercing and sucking plant cells. Typical symptoms include silvery shiny, speckled leaf areas as well as curvature and growth disorders in young leaves and shoots.

Ornamental plants such as anthurium, hibiscus, capsicum and various potted and cut flowers are particularly affected by damage to flowers and buds. However, crops can also be affected. The damage ranges from visual quality defects to yield losses.

With its short generation time and high reproduction rate, Thrips parvispinus is currently one of the most significant invasive pests in greenhouse cultivation.

NEMATODES AGAINST THRIPS PARVISPINUS

Controlling Thrips parvispinus poses a particular challenge. Effective management therefore requires an integrated strategy. Entomopathogenic nematodes can also be part of this strategy. At present, we do not yet have any reliable test results on the effectiveness of nematodes against Thrips parvispinus. However, like Thrips tabaci and Frankliniella occidentalis, T. parsvispinus has a soil stage that is generally easy for EPN to reach. If you are interested in trials with nematodes against Thrips parvispinus, please feel free to contact us.

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