Southern highbush blueberries are a new host for Scirtothrips citri (thysanoptera: Thripidae) in california

Abstract

Southern highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum, is here reported as a new host association with citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri. Citrus thrips were first observed on blueberries in late Apr to early May and declined by the end of Oct. During the summer when populations peaked, citrus thrips caused scarring and reddening on branches and curling and twisting of new foliage. The 'Star' variety had higher densities of citrus thrips than 3 other commercial varieties and blueberries enclosed in hoop-houses had higher levels than those grown in the open.