Simple rearing method for flower thrips on pollen

Abstract

Flower thrips were reared on pollens and honey solution through thin membranes in glass vessels. Both sides of the glass vessels were covered with stretched Sealonfilm® membranes on which the thrips and pollens (of tea, pear, strawberry, tulip and pine) were placed. A drop of 10% honey solution was placed on the membrane and covered with another membrane to allow the insects to feed on the solution and lay eggs in it. Without pollen, young larvae of Frankliniella intonsa were unable to grow and adult females laid only a few eggs. The larval andpupal growth by artificial rearing was better than that on strawberry leaves and tomato fruits. The rate of emergencewas higher than 85%. Thrips hawaiiensis could be also reared by the same method. Owing to the presence of pollens, flower thrips could lay large numbers of eggs and complete their whole life cycle. Mass rearing of flower thrips ispractically possible by this method. © 1982, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.