Predatory thrips against Thrips parvispinus (Karny) in protected crops

Abstract: The incidence of plant damage caused by the tobacco thrips Thrips parvispinus is
increasing worldwide on a wide range of greenhouse crops. This study was initiated to evaluate the potential of two predatory thrips species, Franklinothrips vespiformis and Aeolothrips intermedius, to improve the biological control of the pest in sweet peppers. In laboratory tests, the two predators demonstrated the ability to feed on T. parvispinus, and in a cage trial, they suppressed its populations. However, initial efforts to pre-establish these natural enemies in commercial greenhouses, in the absence of the pest, were unsuccessful. This paper provides an overview of current IPM practices targeting thrips in sweet pepper crops and discusses the factors that could influence the establishment and population dynamics of predatory thrips under greenhouse conditions.