Longevity and reproduction of Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci on cucumber under controlled conditions

Abstract

The biological cycle, the duration of preoviposition-oviposition- postoviposition periods, female adults' longevity, reproduction dynamic (eggs/female) and reproduction rate (eggs/female/day) of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were studied on cucumber at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. The biological cycle of F. occidentalis ranged from 33.99 days at 15°C to 11.99 days at 30°C, while that of T. tabaci ranged from 32.76 to 11.78 days at respective temperatures. The duration of each developmental stage for both thrips species was reduced with temperature increase. Total female longevity of F. occidentalis decreased when temperature increased from 15 to 30°C, while the longevity of T. tabaci was lower and also decreased from 15 to 30°C. For F. occidentalis the maximum reproduction dynamic and reproduction rate was found at 20°C and minimum at 15°C. For T. tabaci the maximum reproduction dynamic was also found at 20°C and the optimum reproduction rate at 25°C, but without statistically significant difference when compared to reproduction rate at 20°C. The minimum values of T. tabaci were also found at 15°C. Cucumber found to be a suitable host plant for survival and reproduction of both thrips species. Temperature may affect thrips population, especially when measurements our out of normal temperature range. © 2006 Academic Journals Inc.