Survey of alternative host plants for Kellys citrus thrips ( Pezothrips kellyanus) in citrus growing regions

Abstract

Kellys citrus thrips (Pezothrips kellyanus) (KCT) has recently been identified as the most serious pest affecting citrus production in New Zealand A literature survey was undertaken to determine previous host records of KCT in New Zealand and Australia An orchard survey to investigate secondary sources or host plants of KCT within lemon orchards and adjacent shelter and roadsides was carried out Potential alternative hosts were sampled in November December and January Flowers from 37 potential host plant species were collected from lemon orchards in Kerikeri and Gisborne and examined for the presence of KCT adults and larvae Banana passionfruit in Kerikeri and catsear in Gisborne were the only plants with KCT adults present on more than one sampling occasion KCT adults were collected from 16 plant species in low numbers but KCT larvae were collected from only two plant species (creeping buttercup and curled dock) The definition of a true host for thrips is discussed