Occurrence of Thysanoptera in nectarines in North-East Spain

Abstract: Thrips constitute one of the main pests in nectarine, with damage either during
flowering or before harvesting (silvering). Several species are associated with damage to
flowers, but Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the main
species associated with summer damage in Europe. Nectarine orchards under organic and
integrated management were sampled in the intensive stone fruit production area in Lleida and Girona Province in four key moments (bud burst, full bloom, fruit setting stage, and change colour) of the season during 2021 and 2022 to determine the species composition of Thrips in the area and the damage caused during fruit maturation. Adult individuals in flowers, leaves and fruit surface were collected and identified, and silvering damage on fruit surface was assessed in Lleida province. Fifteen different species were collected from the tree canopy in Lleida and ten were collected in Girona. The predominant species were Thrips fuscipennis Haliday (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in the intensive production area of Lleida Province and Frankliniella occidentalis in Girona province. Both species were found in association with silvering damage during fruit maturation. Organic orchards in Lleida showed lower populations and silvering damage levels when compared to integrated orchards.