Biological activity of hyphomycete entomopathogenic fungi against gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

Abstract

Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) is an ornamental plant species grown worldwide. In Mexico, it is one of the most widely used ornamentals in urban green areas. Leaves of the tree are damaged by the thrips Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Cambero et al. 2010). Thrips feed on leaf terminals and inject toxins causing deformed leaves and gall formation (Held et al. 2005; Retana- Salazar & Sánchez-Chacón 2009). Chemical control of Gynaikothrips spp. is possible (Held & Boyd 2008), but insecticides should be used wisely in order to preserve associated natural enemies (Wheeler et al. 2007). In Mexico, Montandoniola confusa Streito & Matocq and Androthrips ramachandrai (Karny) have been found to be predators of Gynaikothrips spp (Cambero et al. 2010). In North America north of Mexico, A. ramachandrai, Montandoniola moraguesi Puton and Thripastichus gentilei (Del Guercio) are reported natural enemies (Held et al. 2005; Held & Boyd 2008).