A comprehensive thrips species assessment for eco-consistent management in Mediterranean citrus crops

Abstract: Insects belonging to the Thysanoptera order are an important group of insect pests that require phytosanitary interventions for the protection of citrus crops. This study provides a general and complete overview on the thrips pest species present in citrus orchards in the main countries of the Mediterranean basin. For most species, the distribution areas, host plants, and IPM control methods are provided. The study also presents new data on the status of thrips infestations in three main crops in southern Italy (Calabria), including lemon, bergamot, and orange. The results concern the abundance and the co-occurrence of thrips species in the investigated area. Statistical analysis showed that there were differences between citrus species, canopy exposure, and monitoring period in thrips abundance. In particular, orange species showed the lowest density of thrips present on the plant. Three species, namely Pezothrips kellyanus, Frankliniella occidentalis, and Thrips major, were the most abundant in the monitored area with a marked seasonal increase, especially for the highest density species, P. kellyanus, between March and June. Moreover, for F. occidentalis, the close relationship between its presence on herbaceous flora inside crops and in citrus flowers confirms a thrips interaction with no crops and herbaceous plants and the numerical response of the thrips species. These latest results suggest that wild plants constantly host thrips and therefore an alternative ground cover could be an ecological tool to limit or mitigate the density and damaging activity of thrips populations in citrus crops.