A Sustainable Mass Rearing Method for Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

Summary Here we present a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable mass rearing system for western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, with details of molecular identification. Our rearing methods are improved from other systems used previously because we have organized maintenance responsibilities that occur during a Monday through Friday work wk, and have streamlined environmental and nourishment conditions that have greatly sustained F. occidentallis colonies that we use for various physiological experiments.