Observations on the phenology, biology and control of the mango thrips, Scirtothrips mangiferae Preisner, in the Arava of Israel.
Ben-David T., Venezian A., Ben-Dov Y.
Author Affiliation: Arava Research Station, M.P. Eilot 88820, Israel.
Hassadeh 65 : 1826-1830
Abstract : Population levels were evaluated according to an infestation index during the summer of 1982. Four peaks were observed, apparently representing four generations. Thrips samples, collected by an aspirator, showed that males were present in a very low percentage throughout the year. The fluctuations in the population composition in 1983 also indicated that there were four generations, but in 1984 there was no clear tendency. Thrips were attracted to yellow sticky traps, and there was no difference between using horizontal traps, 50 cm above ground level, and vertical traps hanging in the mango canopy. The ratio of adult males caught in sticky traps was higher than in aspirator samples and equal to that of females, while the proportion of larval instars was 5%. The different results with the two sampling systems is discussed. The prepupa and pupa stages were observed for the first time, and additional host plants for the pest, grapefruits and vines, were observed in the southern Arava valley. Control by tartar-emetic was achieved only by cover spraying the trees. No difference was found between Simbush and tartar-emetic. Good control for about 2 months was achieved by correctly timed applications of either insecticide.