Spatial and temporal dynamics of Frankliniella occidentalis on protected ornamentals

Abstract: Western flower thrips (WFT) Frankliniella occidentalis is a worldwide problem ofvarious ornamentals and vegetables, especially under greenhouse. Here we present preliminaryresults of a study on spatial structure of a WFT population and its evolution over time onornamentals under greenhouse. We used Spatial Analysis with Distances Indices (SADIE)methods to evaluate nonrandomness of the distribution and association of the distributionsobserved at different time. Spatial analysis of WFT population provided interesting information onthe role of surrounding environment on the insect population inside the greenhouse.