Effect of bagging and “deschire” of the banana (Musa acuminata Colla) crop on the populations of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

Argentina's banana production is exclusively destined for domestic consumption and can be used to illustrate management deficiencies in production and post-harvest stages. Banana fruits are very sensitive to injuries and thrips (Thysanoptera) damage results in loss of commercial value. The aim of this work was to study the effects of bagging and its association with ``deschire{''} (manual removal of male floral structures) in relation to the incidence of thrips on the flowering and fruiting of banana (Musa acuminata Colla). The study was carried out during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 in Laguna Naineck (Formosa, Argentina). Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments and four replicates was used during two production cycles. The abundance of the insects was determined in three strata of banana bunches and the incidence was estimated at harvest. The only species of thrips present during the study was Frankliniella brevicaulis Hood. A higher number young thrips were detected in the lower strata of bunches. Bagging of the banana bunches with deschire reduced the incidence of F. brevicaulis by 54% and 66% each year of study respectively and favored an increase in the length of the fingers compared to a control crop, in 9% and 10% for the first and second year of study respectively.