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Frankliniella occidentalis, western flower thrips, is an invasive pest that seriously damages economic crops such as vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees because of its high fecundity, short generation cycle, and strong adaptability. Lecanicillium is an important entomopathogenic fungus, characterised by its wide host range, high pathogenicity, and environmental safety. It plays an important role in the environmentally friendly management of F. occidentalis. This study clarifies whether L. attenuatum infects F. occidentalis and affects its reproduction. The results of scanning electron microscope showed that conidia of L. attenuatum were attached to many parts of thrips adult after 1 h of treatment with 10^8 conidia/mL, and most F. occidentalis were covered by hyphae after 72–120 h. The cumulative mortality rate of the second instar larvae of the F1, F2, and F3 generations exceeded 60% on the seventh day post-infection and that of female adults was higher than 90% when treated by L. attenuatum with 10^8 conidia/mL. Simultaneously, L. attenuatum had strong sublethal effects on the surviving thrips. Indeed, the number of eggs deposited and the lifespan of female adults decreased considerably after the second instar larvae of F. occidentalis were treated with L. attenuatum, and had the impaction on the thrips offspring too. Altogether, our data suggested that L. attenuatum not only exhibited a high degree of pathogenicity towards F. occidentalis second instar larvae and adults but also affected the longevity and reproduction of surviving thrips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate botanical insecticides as a technological device for synthetic input substitution in peri-urban horticultural system transitions. For that purpose, a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework was proposed, and garlic extracts (GE) performance was evaluated for pest and natural enemy regulation in lettuce crops in conventional and agroecological contexts. Through three PAR cycles under actual production conditions, we observed GE effectiveness on aphids, thrips, and natural enemies. Additionally, context-specific adaptations were noticed: for conventional systems; the extract is useful near harvest and serves as a trust-building tool while reducing synthetic insecticide dependence. Instead, for agroecological systems, garlic extract highlighted biodiversity’s relevance for system redesign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described originally from Heilongjiang, China, Odontothrips phaseoli is a potential pest of threatening bean plant in northern China. The complete mitochondrial genome of O. phaseoli was sequenced and assembled, with a total length of 15,540 bp. Within this genome, 37 genes have been identified: 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and two putative control regions. Most PCGs terminate with TAA, while four genes (atp8, nad1, nad2 and nad4) use an incomplete 'T' and nad6 employs TAG as the stop codon. Compared to the mitogenome of the ancestral insect, O. phaseoli displays significant gene rearrangement. However, it retains three conserved gene blocks in common with its related species, Megalurothrips usitatus, both of which belong to the Megalurothrips genus-group. The phylogenetic tree, constructed based on the entire mitogenome dataset of all thrips species available in NCBI, shows that the two species cluster closely together. This alignment might underscore the close link between gene arrangements and the phylogeny relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of Pealius mori (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was determined in this study. The mitogenome was 15,654 bp long with 37 typical Insecta mitochondrial genes and one non-coding control region. Its gene content and order were different to other Hemiptera mitochondrial genomes. The overall nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was 42.62% A, 32.73% T, 11.12% G and 13.54% C, with an A + T bias of 75.34%. Phylogenetic analyses of 14 species in Aleyrodidae, 2 species in Lepidoptera and 1 species in Thysanoptera by Maximum Likelihood showed that P. mori China had been more closely related to P. mori France, closely related to Pealius machili. This result well supported the taxonomic position of Aleyrodidae and their close relationship with the Pealius category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips are significant pest of crops, vegetables, and fruiting trees, and various species of thrips can infest citrus at fruit formation as well as new leaf sprouts. Thrips presence and damage can significantly reduce the export value of fruits, making them a major concern for citrus growers. Field studies were conducted to investigate the biodiversity and abundance of citrus thrips on an early fruiter citrus cultivar in experimental and commercial orchards of Morocco. In this study, we investigated the abundance, economic importance, dynamics, and seasonal fluctuations of citrus thrips in relation to citrus phenology. We identified four species of thrips that infest citrus orchards, including Frankliniella occidentalis, Pezothrips kellyanus, Scirtothrips sp, and Aeolothrips sp. Our results showed that the quantitative peak of thrips occurred during the blooming stage, and that the number of thrips caught on sticky traps during bloom could be a suitable predictive method for estimating final fruit damage. The population dynamics of thrips species were found to depend on several biotic and abiotic factors, including temperature, rainfall, and chemical interventions. We also observed that some citrus varieties were more susceptible to thrips attacks than others, with Washington navel and Maroc late being the most infested orchards with infestation rates of 32% and 24%, respectively. Our findings provide important insights into the abundance, economic importance, and seasonal fluctuations of citrus thrips, which can inform the development of effective control strategies to mitigate their damage in citrus orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalist predator Orius similis plays a crucial role in controlling the pests Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and Tetranychus urticae Koch. To assess the effectiveness of O. similis in controlling these pests in bean field, we conducted field surveys and used DNA molecular analysis to quantitatively measure the levels of predation on each prey. Field surveys conducted from June 18 to August 7, 2021, showed a linear increase in the population densities of O. similis, F. occidentalis, and T. urticae. The population density of F. occidentalis and T. urticae peaked on July 16, whereas that of O. similis peaked on July 23. The highest positive rate for F. occidentalis and T. urticae was observed on July 23 and 16, respectively. The positive detection rate to F. occidentalis was significantly higher than that of T. urticae (t = 7.659, df = 14, P < 0.0001). The DNA half-lives of F. occidentalis and T. urticae were estimated at 4.44 and 2.60 h, respectively, based on the positive detection rates of both preys during the digestion time in O. similis. These results suggest that molecular intestinal content analysis can be effectively used to quantitatively evaluate the control effect of O. similis on F. occidentalis and T. urticae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips are insect pests that threaten pepper crops. This study, conducted in the arid Biskra region of Algeria, evaluated the impact of applying infra-doses of fructose at the concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ppm) on enhancing the resistance of chilli pepper plants to thrips. We monitored the population of thrips after 24, 48, 72 hours, 7 and 21 days post treatment application for each concentration. The same infra-doses were re-applied using the same protocol. The data revealed that spraying fructose at 100 ppm was the most effective, reducing thrips population significantly after 48 hours (F = 61.383, P < 0.05), resulting in an average of 52 ± 10.56 adult thrips per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Acarophenacidae Cross and the genus Adactylidium Cross (Prostigmata: Pyemotoidea) are reported for the first time from Saudi Arabia with a new species, A. gigantothripsisp. nov. described based on females. The mites were collected from the abdomen of the thrips, Gigantothrips sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) which were abundantly found on the leaves of Ficus plants in Baha, Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall, 1913) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a widely distributed pest in Asia that primarily affects the production of snap beans and cowpea. The complete mitochondrial genome of Megalurothrips usitatus has been sequenced and annotated in this study, which is 17,209 bp long and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNAs, and 22 tRNA genes. Most of the protein-coding genes (PCGs) start with ATG except ND4 using TTG. Meanwhile, eight PCGs stop with TAA, four PCGs have an incomplete stop codon, and the gene Cytb ends with TAG. Phylogenetic analysis showed that M. usitatus is closely related to Frankliniella intonsa and F. occidentalis, providing a basis for the study of the mitochondrial evolution of Thripinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the side effects of LC30 and LC50 concentrations of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) essential oil on the life table parameters of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on first instar Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) larvae were determined under lab conditions. The age-stage, two-sex life table method was used to evaluate the life table parameters. The net reproductive rate (R0) (8.76, 8.68 and 6.83 eggs per individual), intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.116, 0.116 and 0.098 day −1), finite rate of increase (λ) (1.123, 1.123 and 1.103 day −1), mean generation time (T) (18.7, 18.6 and 19.6 days) and total fecundity (19.77, 19.00, and 17.70 offspring per female) acquired for control, LC30 and LC50 applications, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that using the tested essential oil, particularly the LC30, in combination with A. swirskii can be an alternative to synthetic pesticides. However, semi-field and field studies are still needed to assess the effects of the essential oil tested on F. occidentalis and A. swirskii before incorporating into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), is an invasive tree in the Southeastern United States, Texas, California, and Hawaii. The Brazilian peppertree thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), is a recently approved biological control agent for use within the US. The thrips have since been released in the field and are expected to reduce Brazilian peppertree performance. Pseudophilothrips ichini is likely to impact young trees but the impacts may vary based on thrips population size and tree age. To better understand the factors contributing to agent impact on young trees and P. ichini population growth, we measured the effect of P. ichini density (0, 4, 10, and 20 thrips) and tree age (3-, 4-, and 6-month-old plants), on tree performance and P. ichini productivity in the laboratory. Brazilian peppertree height and the number of growing tips were reduced across all age groups. However, the negative impact was more pronounced on the youngest trees, which had a reduction in the relative change in height of 171% and a 100% reduction in the number of growing tips. Pseudophilothrips ichini production was positively correlated with tree height (r = 0.44) and biomass (r = 0.56), but thrips relative production was similar across tree age. Results indicate that P. ichini have a great capacity for population increase regardless of starting density. Field studies are needed to corroborate these findings and identify barriers to agent success. This work aims to refine expectations of the impacts to Brazilian peppertree caused by P. ichini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of jumping spiders are visual hunters that capture a wide range of prey. While they are known to use specific predatory techniques against different prey, their prey identification mechanisms are poorly understood. A generalist jumping spider, Yllenus arenarius, employs different predatory techniques to capture prey with two different escape potentials. The aim of the present study was to identify the characteristics used by the spider to classify prey into one of these categories. Freshly-emerged spiderlings were used in the experiments to analyse pre-programmed visual predatory preferences. The spiders were presented with: a) their natural prey with different escape potentials (flies, thrips, caterpillars) and b) video images constructed from different combinations of features of their natural prey. The images varied with regard to five characteristics: body length (short vs long images), the presence or absence of details (0 or 4 details, including head spot, antennae, legs, wings), the local motion of legs (moving vs still), the type of global motion (crawling vs non-crawling) and the direction of global motion (horizontal motion vs vertical small scale jumps). Prey-specific behaviours indicated which characteristics were used by the spider to ascertain the prey's escape potentials. Our findings indicate that during visual prey categorization, Y. arenarius can rely solely on general prey characteristics, such as body proportions and the type of prey motion, while ignoring other stimuli, such as the presence of details and the local motion of legs. This mechanism of prey identification, based on these two easily-recognizable prey characteristics, enables fairly quick and precise categorization of a wide range of prey according to their escape potentials. The study shows how generalist jumping spiders can categorize their diverse prey into a limited number of groups and discusses the presence of the mechanism in other jumping spiders and other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum is one of the most beautiful flowers and probably the oldest plant grown commercially in different parts of the world. Chrysanthemum, like all other plants, is susceptible to attack by various pests and diseases. The use of silicon has been shown to minimize damage caused by insect and also increase shelf life. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of potassium silicate in pest resistance and postharvest longevity of chrysanthemum. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Espírito Santo - Itapina Campus, the treatments consisted of four doses of potassium silicate - Sifol® (2, 4, 6 and 8 mL L−1) and a control treatment without foliar application of potassium silicate applied to chrysanthemum cv. Zembla. Leaf application of potassium silicate reduced the incidence of cercosporiosis and thrips in chrysanthemum leaves. Chrysanthemum leaf and flower longevity increased when potassium silicate doses were applied. It is recommended for chrysanthemum cv. Zembla applications of 0.6 and 0.8 mL L−1 potassium silicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Erythraeidae has 60 genera worldwide, of which Charletonia Oudemans has 86 described species, only two of which are recorded in Brazil. Here, we redescribe one of these species based on the holotype, Charletonia rocciai Treat and Flechtmann, and newly collected material. The material represents new records from four different localities in São Paulo State and one in Santa Catarina State. In addition, we provide SEM images of the morphological structures to improve the diagnosis and redescription, an updated distribution map, including biological data, and new host-associations of C. rocciai with the following orders of insects, Coleoptera and Thysanoptera, and with an order of Arachnida – Araneae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass rearing herbivorous insects used as biological control agents requires a steady supply of optimal host plant material. This often necessitates the use of pesticides to minimise infestations and damage from generalist herbivores. Knowing the efficacy persistence of the pesticide is critical to prevent non-target effects on reared agent populations. We determined the amount of time for an abamectin foliar spray to degrade such that there were minimal impacts on the mass rearing of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood), a biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) in Florida. Abamectin was applied to plants at the label concentration (0.31 ml/L) for controlling mites. Groups of three plants were brought into our quarantine facility 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 d after application and were then each infested with 40 founding adult thrips. Founding adult survival was not impacted by the delay, i.e. interval between application and thrips infestation, with at least 75% recovered alive regardless of the delay. However, delaying infestation had a significant effect on the number of offspring produced, with, on average, only 50 produced when waiting 1 d, between 250 and 364 for the intermediate wait times, and 688 produced when waiting 14 d. Waiting 14 d after treatment before infesting new plants would achieve optimal colony yields but waiting as little as 7 d may still be a reasonable balance between timely production operations and colony yields. Those developing insect mass rearing programmes should consider all variables specific to their procedures that may impact pesticide persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tubuliferan Thysanoptera are extremely uncommon in the fossil record, thus little is our knowledge of their geological history. Here, we describe the first apterous Phlaeothripidae, and the eighth species of Tubulifera, for the entire Mesozoic. It corresponds to a small female preserved in Upper Albian amber of Peñacerrada II outcrop (Álava amber) in Spain. The specimen, described as Alavathrips moralesi nov. gen. et sp., has some critical well-preserved morphological features, as antennae, tarsi, female genital structures and the tube including its crown of apical setae. The Mesozoic tubuliferan family Rohrthripidae, known from the Barremian amber from Lebanon and the Cenomanian amber from Myanmar, is herein considered a junior synonym of Phlaeothripidae. The most relevant, 'plesiomorphic' feature of the new taxon is the proximal extreme of the tube not closed, but without a suture along the rest of the tube. The present discovery gives new insights into the origins and evolution of the species-rich extant family Phlaeothripidae, and the suborder Tubulifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an important pest that transmits tospoviruses such as Tomato spotted wilt virus. Jasmonate (JA) and its derivatives are phytohormones with essential roles in plant defense against herbivorous arthropods. In experiments conducted over 2 years, we evaluated how spraying with prohydrojasmon (PDJ), a JA derivative, affected F. occidentalis infestations of greenhouse-grown tomato plants. Single or consecutive sprayings of 400 nmol/mL PDJ in the early plant growth stage significantly suppressed thrips infestation and feeding damage as well as spinetoram. Although spraying with PDJ slightly inhibited initial plant growth, fruit yields and quality were not affected. These results suggest that PDJ could be practically used as a repellent to control F. occidentalis infestation and primary tospovirus infection in commercial tomato greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous predators prey on herbivorous arthropods, and some prey species have evolved counterattacks against predators (predator–prey reversal). Counterattacks often entail a lethal cost but increase the fitness of the attacking individuals and their nearby relatives. Spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) live on leaf surfaces, and some live in aggregations with relatives in a web nest. Counterattacks have been studied in Stigmaeopsis species, but have rarely been studied in other web-nesting species. We investigated counterattacks against predatory thrips, Scolothrips takahashii Priesner, by Schizotetranychus brevisetosus Ehara, which inhabits Quercus glauca L. (Fagaceae). Here, thrips nymphs introduced onto a mite-infested piece of leaf quickly entered the nest but were driven out by females using their stylets. However, in another experiment, we could not find a difference between treatments (10 adult females per leaf or none per leaf) in the number of eggs consumed at 48 h, probably because the thrips repeatedly re-entered the nest. Additionally, we did not detect a significant effect of web presence on predation. Although the defensive effect is undetectable, this study shows that S. brevisetosus counterattacks occur both inside and outside the nest, and the latter especially is the first report of such behaviour in Acari. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice thrips, Stenchaetothrips biformis (Bagnall, 1913), are one of the destructive pests of rice. Here, the complete mitochondrial genome of S. biformis was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing. The mitogenome is 15,359 bp long with an A + T content of 76.94%, which contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and 2 putative control regions (CRs). The phylogenetic analysis showed that S. biformis is closely related to Thrips imaginis and Thrips palmi. This new mitochondrial genome data can be better used to provide a basis for studies of the mitochondrial evolution of Thysanoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips, tiny to medium sized insects with fringed wings are economically important due to their pestiferous and predatory behaviour. They have a wide range of feeding habitats i.e. leaf feeders, to flower, spore, and fungus feeders. Here, we comprehensively characterized the gut bacteria of nine thrips species collected from two geographical areas of India. Moreover, an attempt to elucidate the impact of different feeding habits (leaf, flower, and spore) on the gut microbiota was also carried out. Comparative analyses revealed that the gut bacterial structure at the phylum level was almost similar with dominant phyla such as Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes with few exceptions. Further, at genera level, the gut bacteria were significantly different and revealed the presence of the highest abundance of Rosenbergiella, Wolbachia, Curtobacterium Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas. Moreover, the gut microbiota was involved in pathways such as Biosynthesis of amino acids, vitamin metabolism etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anaphothrips genus-group is recorded from Saudi Arabia for the first time. Nine species are recorded in four genera, Aptinothrips Haliday, Anaphothrips Uzel, Eremiothrips Priesner and Psilothrips Hood, and Eremiothrips aldryhimi sp. nov. and E. unicolour sp. nov. are described. Variation in male sternal pore plates of An. graminum Priesner is discussed, and the micropterous morph of E. similis Bhatti is recorded for the first time. An illustrated key to the genera and species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalurothrips usitatus is a serious pest on Vigna unguiculata. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of M. usitatus was characterized and its phylogenetic relationship within the Order Thysanoptera was determined. The mitochondrial genome of M. usitatus was a circular molecule of 15426 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and the control region. It showed the typical insect mitochondrial genome arrangement. The AT content of the whole genome was 77.69% and the length of the control region was 567 bp with 78.66% AT content. The Maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial protein-coding genes of 17 insect speciesshowed that M. usitatus is closest to Frankliniella occidentalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil mesostigmatid mites include predator species with potential as biological control agents. Their use for that purpose in rose crops in Colombia is highly desirable, to complement pest management strategies. The first step for their use in a program is to know their identity. The objectives of this study were: to determine the species of non-Uropodina Mesostigmata present in rose fields and the surrounding secondary vegetation of fields in the Bogotá plateau, relating their occurrence to soil characteristics; and to determine the fluctuation of the density of those mites and of thrips in selected areas of that plateau. The study was conducted between August 2015 and December 2016 in four rose fields in greenhouses at Nemocon, Tocancipa, Cogua and Guasca, and patches of secondary vegetation next to the latter two localities. Twenty soil samples were taken every two months from each area. Complementary samplings were conducted at irregular frequencies in a rose field and a patch of secondary vegetation of other region (Facatativa) and in two patches of high Andean vegetation (La Calera, Soacha). Ninety-six species were found. In both rose cultivation and natural vegetation, Parasitidae and Laelapidae were the dominant families throughout the study, but high proportions of Veigaiidae and Blattisociidae were also observed in secondary vegetation. Twenty-five thrips species were found, distributed in six genera (Thripidae). Mite species composition was compatible with that of temperate areas of other parts of the world, given the high elevation of study sites (2460–2777 m), despite its location close to the equator. Three of the species collected have been commercialized as biological control agents in other countries. A significant and positive correlation was found between mite density and organic matter content and pH level. The study showed a great diversity of Mesostigmata in the Bogota plateau (altogether, 96 species), at least eight of which new to science and several in need of better taxonomic characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The montane terrain of northern Laos is covered by species-rich subtropical evergreen oak forests, home to endemic tree genera such as Mytilaria (Hamamelidaceae), and characterised by the coexistence of several honeybee and bumblebee species. We explored community-level plant–pollinator interactions of this unique little-known ecosystem. Extensive direct observations on flowering phenology and flower-visitor assemblages of 288 plant species of 82 families were conducted in a montane forest ecosystem in Houaphanh and Xiangkhouang Provinces, Laos, from 2005 until 2016. Based mainly on the extensive flower-visit data, we assessed the pollination system of each plant species. Five sympatric honeybee species (Apis dorsata, A. laboriosa, A. cerana, A. florea and A. andreniformis) were common on various types of flowers, and floral preferences differed among species. Long-tongued bees belonging to Bombini and Anthophorini (Apidae) were species-rich and frequent visitors on various deep flowers, especially Acanthaceae, Balsaminaceae, Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae and Zingiberaceae. Character displacement by tongue length was observed among the bee species, and many relaxed species-specific and species-semispecific interactions were observed between the bees and the deep-flowers. Four plant species, in the genera Mytilaria, Chloranthus, Dioscorea and Cryptocarya, were visited exclusively by thrips. Two plant species, in the genera Lysimachia and Thladiantha, had oil-secreting flowers, which were specifically visited by the oil-collecting bees Macropis and Ctenoplectra, respectively. The dominant pollination system assessed was general insect pollination (31%), followed by long-tongued bee, small bee, honeybee, dipteran, lepidopteran, beetle, wasp, carpenter bee, thrips (e.g. the endemic genus Mytilaria), bird and hemipteran pollination. Our results suggest that the plant–pollinator interactions in the Palaeotropic montane ecosystem are characterised by significant contribution of the five honeybee species and species-rich, morphologically diverse long-tongued bees, both of which have contributed to shaping the remarkable diversity of angiosperms with deep flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrothrips minowai Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the main pest thrips in tea (Camellia sinensis) plantations in Guizhou Province, damaging tea shoots and leaves. In this study, we tested the control of the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris Oudermans and the ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis Pallas against D. minowai in the laboratory and tea plantations in Guizhou, China. The results showed that D. minowai suppression by A. cucumeris was 29.0% at the predator to prey ratio of 1:10 and 45.3% at 1:5, and by H. axyridis it was 45.0% at the 1:10 ratio and 67.2% at 1:5 in the laboratory. After the introduction of these two predators in tea plantations, during the period of highest density of D. minowai (between May and August), the release of A. cucumeris and H. axyridis reduced D. minowai by 26.3 and 56.7% in 2015 and by 40.3 and 54.5% in 2016, respectively. Densities of A. cucumeris and H. axyridis per 100 tea leaves ranged from 50.3 to 137.5 for the mite and from 18.0 to 65.0 for the ladybird beetle. Thus, A. cucumeris and H. axyridis can be used as effective predators in controlling D. minowai in Chinese tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood is a pest of strawberry in Florida, causing foliar and fruit damage to young plants. A field-plot study was conducted in 2015–16 to compare the efficacy of flupyradifurone (SivantoTM 200 SL, 1035 and 2070 ml ha−1) to spinetoram (Radiant SC®, 740 ml ha−1). Flupyradifurone reduced S. dorsalis by 68-83% on leaves and unripe fruit but was not as effective as spinetoram. More plants in control (25%) than insecticide-treated plots (10-15%) had S. dorsalis damage. The yield was increased by the high rate of flupyradifurone, but percent thrips-damaged strawberries were not affected. With modest activity against S. dorsalis, flupyradifurone may be best used after a highly effective thrips insecticide when a follow-up application is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The members of the genus Scirtothrips are highly polyphagous, including major pest and vector species. We applied both morphology and molecular approaches to delimit the selected Scirtothrips species from India. Out of 43 generated barcode sequences, six sequences of three species (S. hitam, S. mangiferae, and S. malayensis) are the novel contribution in global database. The Bayesian (BA) phylogeny clearly distinguishes all the studied species with reciprocal monophyletic criteria and represents multiple clades in S. dorsalis and S. oligochaetus. The high Kimura-2-Parameter (K2P) genetic divergences were observed between the multiple clades of S. dorsalis (4.5–8.8%) and S. oligochaetus (6.4%), which indicating possible existence of cryptic diversity. The current study also provided the morphological keys for six Scirtothrips species including S. hitam as a new record to India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a common Thysanoptera insect widely distributed in Asia and the Pacific, it damages various plants. In this study the complete mitochondrial genome of T. hawaiiensis was sequenced and characterized by using next-generation sequencing technique. The total length of the complete genome is 15,357 bp and A + T content of 77.8% (GeneBank accession No. MW582621). The T. hawaiiensis mitochondrial genome consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and 2 non-coding control regions (Dloop region). According to previous studies, only a few complete mitochondrial genomes from Order Thysanoptera have been reported. Thus, T. hawaiiensis complete mitochondrial genome sequence reported will provide molecular information for mitochondrial genome research on Thysanoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass rearing agent organisms is a critical component to classical biological control programmes. Maximising survival of each life stage necessitates that ideal, stage-specific conditions are available in the rearing protocol. We investigated a method to improve pupal survival of Pseudophilothrips ichini Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a proposed biological control agent of the highly invasive Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae). Specifically, we tested the effect of organic mulch on the number of adults emerging. Either compressed coconut fibre, dried Brazilian peppertree leaves, or dried sphagnum moss were added to the soil surface of potted Brazilian peppertrees. Nothing was added to untreated control plants. Each plant was sealed in a clear acrylic cylinder and 50 s instar thrips were added. The number of adults emerging was compared between mulch treatments. The greatest number of adults emerged from plants with sphagnum moss, with no differences among the other mulches and the control. We confirmed that the majority of thrips pupated in the moss rather than in the soil. Relative humidity was higher in the mulch layers compared to the plant canopy. Sphagnum moss likely provided the most ideal harbourages for thigmotactic pupae and the humid microhabitat minimised desiccation. We discuss the use of organic mulches in ecological contexts and emphasise the benefits of organic mulch in captive rearing operations that involve insects with soil-dwelling stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western flower thrips, F. occidentalis is a vector of Tospoviruses and native to Western North America and Mexico. The present study is based on collected F. occidentalis specimens from Karnataka state in southern India and morphologically identified through available keys. The generated DNA barcode data show 99–100% similarity with the database sequences of F. occidentalis. The phylogenetic analysis (NJ, ML, and BA) shows three distinct clades of F. occidentalis in the present dataset with high bootstrap supports and posterior probabilities. The K2P genetic distances further depicted high similarity of the generated sequences from India and Netherlands. The Clade-1 (India + Netherlands) also shows a close relationship with Clade-2 (Kenya) rather than Clade-3 (Canada + USA). This study recorded the first genetic footprint of F. occidentalis in India and indicated the gene flow from the Netherlands to India. The similar molecular techniques may help to detect the invasion of many alien species in the near future and assists the quarantine regulations to protect the native ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phototactic behaviours and the toxic effects of certain light wavelengths have been used to control insect pests. However, in many species, little is known about this innate behaviour and the effects on physiological and biological traits related to the emission and/or reflection spectra of light. The present study investigated the phototactic behaviour and the effects on physiological and biological traits of a small insect, the melon thrips, Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera Thripidae). Using seven different lightemitting diode panels (355, 405, 470, 525, 590, 660 and 735 nm) under dark conditions, it was found that this species was attracted to a wide range of light from short to long wavelengths in all tested lights. Comparing the light intensities required to gather 50% of individuals to the panels revealed that the short wavelength region (λmax 470 nm) was more effective than longer wavelengths. None of the seven wavelengths examined affected biological traits such as adult emergence and oviposition in the melon thrips. Comparison with previous studies indicates that these results are species specific and provide data that will be helpful in developing future pestcontrol measures using lights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful use of entomopathogenic fungi as microbial control agents of thrips depends on strain virulence, an appropriate delivery system, and timing of application. Use of fungal entomopathogens can be an alternative to synthetic insecticides and could play an important role in bio-intensive pest management. Entomopathogenic fungi may be able to be used for management of chilli thrips,Scirtothrips dorsalisHood. Laboratory bioassays were performed to evaluate fungal isolates ofBeauveria, Metarhizium, Lecanicilliumagainst chilli thrips using different delivery systems. The LC50values againstS. dorsalisindicated that theBeauveria bassianaisolate, Bb 112, had the highest virulence with the lowest LC50values of 0.6 × 106spores·mL−1. The time mortality response ofS. dorsalisto fungal pathogens indicated that isolate Bb 112 had the lowest LT50value, 97.68 h. In pot culture on chilli (Capsicum frutescensL., cv. K2), among the entomopathogenic fungal isolates (Bb 111, Bb 112, Bb 101, B2, Bb NBAIR, Bb SBI, andMl flavoviridevar.minus), application of Bb 112 at 108spores·mL−1had the highest cumulative mean thrips population reduction, 59.73% and 53.88% in both pot culture experiments. The controlled droplet applicator (CDA) delivery system was effective for application of Bb 112 at 108spores·mL−1againstS. dorsalis. Mycoinsecticides applied with the CDA sprayer can be used in management of low to moderate populations (two to three thrips per leaf) ofS. dorsalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on institutional collections, database records, literature and new field collections, 247 breeding host associations were found in New Zealand for the four species of the subfamily Panchaetothripinae. The endemicSigmothrips aotearoanabred only on indigenous plants (21 species). The three adventive species,Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis,Hercinothrips bicinctusandParthenothrips dracaenae, bred on indigenous plants in native ecosystems and on other plants in and outside native ecosystems; 165, 52 and 9 species, respectively. Of the 172 plant genera, only 17 hosted more than one species. Several plant families and orders hosted only one thrips species; notably,S. aotearoanaon Orchidaceae and Loganiaceae;Hercinothrips bicinctuson Compositae (Asteraceae) and Solanales;Heliothrips haemorrhoidalison Cornales, Ericales, Fagales, Malvales, Poales, Pinales, Rosales and Vitales. The robustness and usefulness of the patterns of host plant associations for predicting plant species at risk could be tested by observations in countries with other species of Panchaetothripinae.ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHERCopyright of New Zealand Journal of Zoology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostic morphological characters of the juvenile Panchaetothripinae in New Zealand are illustrated. Keys developed enable colonies with only immature stages to be identified without needing to rear adults. Live larvae or larvae in ethanol are distinguished by the presence of expanded tips of body setae (Parthenothrips dracaenae), the absence of setae at the abdomen tip (Hercinothrips bicinctus), setae at abdomen tip not longer than abdominal tip width (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis) and abdominal tip setae longer than abdominal tip width (Sigmothrips aotearoana, endemic species). The presence or absence of spine-like setae on abdominal segments 9 and 10, and the number and length of setae on the wing buds, enable identification of pupae. Abdominal spine-like setae were on the prepupa and pupa ofH. bicinctusandS. aotearoana, species that pupate off the plant, and are probably defensive structures. This is the first record of spine-like setae on segment 10 of terebrantian pupae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribe Haplothripini includes a large diversity of Thysanoptera–Phlaeothripinae, comprising more than 550 species in about 35 genera. They are characterised by having a maxillary bridge in the head, prosternal basantra well developed and fore wings with a median constriction. Members of this group are present in all geographical regions, but are particularly poorly studied in Central and South America. In this study, we describe a new genus and species,Myrciathrips variabilisgen. et. sp. nov., and a newHaplothripsspecies; and propose two new combinations:Karnyothrips grassoi(De Santis), andMirothrips vespicola(De Santis). A key to the nine Haplothripini genera now recognised from Central and South America is provided, together with an updated key toHaplothripsandMirothripsspecies. A total of 45 species of Haplothripini are now recognised from Central and South America, and a list of these and their distributions is given. The generaKarnyothrips,HaplothripsandLeptothripsare the most commonly encountered, and some exotic species such asAndrothrips ramachandraiandDolichothrips indicusare now widespread in the Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we have generated the complete mitochondrial sequence of Aeolothrips indicus Bhatti, 1964. So far, this is the first largest mitogenome with 17,042 bp length in order Thysanoptera. It includes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes along with three non-coding regions. AT composition of A. indicus is 72.5% (37.7% A and 34.8% T) and GC 27.5% (15.6% C and 11.9% G). The constructed phylogeny revealed the monophyly of family Aeolothripidae in the order Thysanoptera. The data would provide further insight into the evolution and phylogeny of the order Thysanoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils, volatile compounds obtained from plants, provide an alternative approach for controlling agricultural pests due to problems with conventional chemical products, such as insect resistance, environmental issues and human health concerns. This work aimed to extract essential oil from Eucalyptus citriodora to assess its chemical composition and insecticidal activity against the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and thrips (Frankliniella schultzei). The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using the Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and mass spectrometry (GC-FID and GC-MS). A Potter tower was used to spray the insects with the essential oil solutions. The major components found in E. citriodora essential oil were citronellal (29.31%), geraniol (27.63%), β-citronellol (14.88%) and d-cadinene (6.32%). Mortality of M. persicae and F. schultzei nymphs were 85.5% and 34.8%, respectively, using essential oil at 1% (w v-1). Estimated values of LC50 (0.40% w v-1) and LC90 (1.15% w v-1) for M. persicae evidences the potential use of E. citriodora essential oil in controlling this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-release monitoring of biological control agents to determine impact on the target weed has recently received increased priority. Several methods are available to measure the impact of a biological control agent by manipulating the agent population while measuring fitness of the weed. Brazilian peppertree,Schinus terebinthifoliais one of the most damaging weeds in subtropical areas of Florida and Hawaii. A biological control agent, the thrips,Pseudophilothrips ichiniis a sap-feeder that shows high levels of specificity and causes severe distortion of leaf tips of the weed. Thrips populations of this species and a generalist thrips, the red banded thripsSelenothrips rubrocinctuswere experimentally manipulated by applications of the systemic insecticide acephate by both foliar applications and by an inserted encapsulated formulation. Foliar applications protected plants against red banded thrips for 29 days and against the biological control thrips,P. ichinifor 22 days after treatment. Control with inserts were initially low but was achieved after 60 days and this control continued for 182 days after treatment. Manipulation of these biological control thrips populations with foliar or inserted formulations will assist in the determination of biological control agent impact. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, we sequenced complete mitogenome of Taeniothrips tigris Bhatti 1995. It was 15,501 bp in length containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes along with two non-coding regions. The overall base composition of Ta. tigris is 43.66% A, 35.20% T, 11.46% C, and 9.68% G, with a high AT bias of 78.86%. The constructed phylogeny using 19 mitogenomes revealed that the genus Taeniothrips is in close relationship with genus Thrips. This mitogenome data would help in deducing phylogenetic relationships studies in the order Thysanoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal 1908) is a major pest of bonsai ficus and poses a considerable economic threat to gardening industry. The mitochondrial genome of G. ficorum was sequenced and annotated in this study. Its whole mitogenome was 15,313 bp in length, including 37 typical genes in animal mitogenomes. ATN was used as start codon in most of the PCGs except for nad4l, which used TTG. All PCGs used TAA as termination codon except atp8 and atp6 which were ended with an incomplete T and TAG, respectively. A phylogenetic tree based on complete mitochondrial genomes of 17 species (15 Thysanoptera species and two outgroups) showed that the monophyly of Phlaeothripidae was supported and G. ficorum and G. uzeli formed a sister group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion is one of the major crops cultivated in Azarbaijan (Noth-West Iran). Among various pests that affect the onion,Thrips tabaci(Lindeman) is considered as the most important pest. Numerous sprayings on this pest result in several economic and health problems for both producers and consumers. In the present study, the effect of colour and height of sticky traps were evaluated in attraction of adults and larvae of onion thrips and predatory thrips during the growing season in 2012 in Mamaghan region (North-West of Iran). Three replicates of yellow, white and blue sticky traps were mounted in four different heights (30, 50, 70 and 100?cm) on the fields of onion, garlic and tomato. The sticky sheets were examined every week, replaced and transferred to the laboratory for more investigation and counting, segregation and identification of the captured insects. Data were analysed using SAS software (Proc GLM, SAS Institute Inc., 2002). Attraction of adult onion thrips showed significant differences on different crops (F?=?101.71,p?

The whitefly and thrips predatorTyphlodromips swirskii(Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) can be reared on the factitious astigmatid miteSuidasia medanensis(Oudemans) (Acari: Suidasiidae). The predator–prey relationship allows the system to be incorporated into a breeding sachet which releases predators into a crop over several weeks ensuring predator presence on arrival of the target pests and increased predator numerical response on the crop through immigration from the breeding sachet. This study investigated whether the prey preference and functional and numerical response ofT. swirskiito different development stages ofS. medanensiscan provide understanding of the predator–prey interactions sustaining such a breeding sachet.T. swirskiielicited a strong preference to egg stages ofS. medanensis, exhibited a Type II functional response and increased oviposition rate with increasing prey density. The relevance of these attributes to a balanced breeding sachet is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps, the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, and wheat thrips, Haplothrips tritici are the major pests of wheat and other cereals in a wide area of the world. All these three insect species could produce damage to the wheat to some extent. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine α- and β-mannosidase of the three mentioned insect pests. These insects were collected from the wheat farm and their guts (the Sunn pest and the aphid) and salivary glands of Sunn pest were removed. However, regarding tiny body of thrips, the whole body used in order to extract the enzymes. The enzymes, including α- and β-mannosidase activity, were measured by the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-α-d-mannopyranoside (pNPαGal) and p-nitrophenyl-β-d-mannopyranoside (pNPβGal), respectively, using phosphate citrate buffer (pH 5.0). Mannosidases were not active in all three tested insect species, and also there were significant differences in activities of the two enzymes in three species. The greatest activity of α-mannosidases was observed in the Sunn pest salivary glands, E. integriceps, and the least activity was found in Sunn pest midgut with no activity. However, the activity of β-mannosidase was established in Sunn pest midgut, but there was no activity in the aphid midgut, R. padi. Activities of these two enzymes were modest in the thrips, H. tritici. The greatest amount of β-mannosidases in the Sunn pest midgut makes sense, since the Sunn pest is the main pest in the wheat farm that can feed on wheat grains. In the wheat grains, the highest amount of glycoproteins and glycolipids are present. Thus, it has been known that these enzymes (α- and β-mannosidases) are active on digestion of carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A leaf disc bioassay was used to investigate the effects of abamectin and fenpropathrin on the functional response of an acarophagous thrips,Scolothrips longicornisPriesner, to eggs ofTetranychus urticaeKoch at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% RH, 16:8 h (L:D). The type of the functional response differed depending on the types and doses of the pesticides used. A type II functional response was found in all pesticide-dose combinations except for females exposed to a half-labelled dose of fenpropathrin, in which a type III functional response was observed. For type II functional responses, the search rates were similar to those found in the control treatments irrespective of predator sex, pesticide and pesticide dose. No differences in handling times across treatments were observed for males but handling times were longer for females, irrespective of pesticide and dose, compared to the control treatment. The theoretical maximum number of prey attacked by the thrips was 49.67 and 23.67 eggs per day for females and males, respectively; both maxima were attained in the control treatment. These values were reduced for males exposed to full doses of either pesticide and for females exposed to both half and full doses of either pesticide. These findings suggest that the efficacy of integrated management programmes forT. urticaeinvolving the application ofS. longicorniscould be decreased by application of pesticides such as fenpropathrin and abamectin, which are often used to control pests in greenhouse and field crops. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Beneficial arthropods and wheat insects were monitored using sticky traps through large-scale field in Saxony, Germany before and after insecticide applications. The tested compounds (Karate, Biscaya and NeemAzal T/S) were sprayed twice at Elongation stage (GS 32) and at the heading stage (GS 55). Monitoring was conducted for four weeks after each treatment. Cereal aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, cereal leaf beetles, cereal bugs and also many natural enemies such as predators (lady beetles, lacewings, syrphids, dance flies and spiders) and parasitoids (parasitic wasps) were surveyed. The results proved that Karate caused the highest per cent mortality to wheat insect pests. Karate also reduced natural enemy diversities. Biscaya and NeemAzal T/S is correlated with an equivalent mortality per cents to wheat insect pests and resulted in a smaller effects on natural enemies compared with Karate. Leafhoppers were less affected than Thrips and cereal bugs. Parasitoid wasps and spider were more tolerant, while lacewings and dance flies were more susceptible to insecticide effects. Finally, natural insecticides and predators and parasitoids could be highly compatible with a hygienic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The focus of this study was on nursery and field management of seed and insect vectors of viruses on hot pepper. Seedlings raised from hypochlorite-treated seeds under a net tunnel nursery were compared with seedlings raised from untreated seeds in an open nursery. The two groups of seedlings were used to evaluate field practices in a split plot randomized controlled block design: (i) weekly foliar applications with dimethoate; (ii) close plant spacing of 60 cm × 50 cm); (iii) 1.5-m high net perimeter screen; (iv) transparent plastic mulch; (v) untreated control. Whiteflies were the vectors most affected by the treatments, showing 28%, 38%, 43% and 36% reductions in occurrence by seedling protection, net screens, transparent plastic mulch and close plant spacing, respectively. Aphids were only responsive to close plant spacing and chemical treatments, with a reduction in incidence of up 43% by the former. The lowest virus disease incidence (12%) was on plants raised unprotected in the nursery but grown under the close plant spacing in the field. Plants from protected seedlings had a marginally higher fruit yield (2.1 kg/plant) compared with plants from unprotected seedlings (1.7 kg/plant) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsclerotia (MS) production by two isolates of Lecanicillium lecanii on various culture media is described, and the efficacy of MS against western flower thrips is evaluated. High concentrations of MS (2.9-3.1 x 105 mL-1 ) were produced in media with C:N ratios of 7.4:1 and 10.3:1 by isolate SN21. Bioassays using soil-incorporated MS resulted in significant infection and mortality of thrips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf-litter thrips were much more common and diverse in dry sclerophyll forest than in wetter forest types in subtropical southeast Queensland, Australia. In dry sclerophyll forest, the species composition of thrips in leaf-litter was strongly differentiated from the thrips fauna associated with bark of the trees Eucalyptus major and Acacia melanoxylon (4 of 34 species in common). The species composition of bark-dwelling thrips was similar across the two tree species and also across two eucalypts with different bark types, Eucalyptus major (flaky) and Eucalyptus siderophloia (rough). The diversity of thrips from the leaf-litter was not differentiated across all of these tree species. Virtually all thrips collected were Phlaeothripidae, subfamilies Idolothripinae and Phlaeothripinae. Idolothripinae were associated almost exclusively with leaf-litter, but Phlaeothripinae were in leaf-litter and bark. The association of fungal-feeding thrips with dry sclerophyll forest raises questions about their ecological requirements and the role they play in nutrient cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reproductive parameters for Scolothrips longicornis were determined and compared at six temperatures (15, 20, 26, 30, 35 and 37°C), 60 ± 10% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (light:dark). Reproductive parameters were estimated for individual newly emerged thrips, which had spent their immature stages at different temperatures. The highest rate of gross fecundity was at 30°C (113.7 eggs/female), whereas the lowest value of this parameter was at 15°C (25.1 eggs/female). The gross fertility rate was highest at 30°C (98.9 eggs/female) and lowest at 37°C (14.6 eggs/female). The net fecundity rate varied from 80.2 eggs/female (at 30°C) to 10.04 eggs/female (at 37°C). The net fertility rate was highest at 30°C (69.7 eggs/female) and lowest at 37°C (5.2 eggs/female). The daily number of eggs laid per female ranged from 0.8 to 3.93 eggs, with a minimum at 15°C and a maximum at 35°C. Our results demonstrated that 30°C was the optimum temperature for reproductive of the studied population of S. longicornis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the bioefficacy of selected insecticides against thrips and their pre-harvest intervals (PHI) in onion pertaining to their recommended application rates and maximum residue limits. Profenophos, methomyl and imidacloprid showed comparatively higher bioefficacy against thrips. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS-based residue analysis methods in onion bulbs and composite matrix of bulbs+leaves were thoroughly validated. The residue data for bulb+leaves was assessed with reference to the EU-MRLs applicable for spring onion. Dimethoate was the most stable chemical with PHI of 52.5 days, followed by monocrotophos (24 days) and carbofuran (20.5 days). The PHIs of profenophos, chlorpyrifos, methomyl and cypermethrin were similar and within the range of 10–13 days. Imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin had similar PHI of 4.5 days. Spinosad was the fastest-degrading chemical with PHI of 2 days. The combined bioefficacy and residue dynamics information will support label-claim of these insecticides for the management of thrips in onion, help in scheduling their applications in pest management program as per relative PHIs and minimize the residue accumulations at harvest. The dietary exposure was less than the maximum permissible intake for most of the insecticides on all sampling days except for dimethoate and monocrotophos. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]