Infestation and oviposition of Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) on Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.)

Abstract

Infestation and oviposition of Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) on Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) were examined in an orchard and a greenhouse in Shizuoka Prefecture in 2000 and 2001. T. tabaci infested the flowers and fruit, but they did not infest the flower buds, young fruits, or leaves. In the orchard, the number of adults and larvae was greatest at the end of the blossoming season. Since no damage was observed on fruits at harvest time, control for the thrips was not considered necessary. In the greenhouse, infestation by adults and larvae was observed on fruits after opening the side window of the greenhouse. The number of thrips on fruits left on the trees increased through the harvest. A low survival rate of 15.7% was observed five days after artificial infestation of adult thrips to the young fruits (27-41 mm in diameter) in July. The thrips preferred orange colored rind for infestation and oviposition. Consequently, controlling the thrips in the greenhouse was considered necessary from the time the side window was opened to the end of the harvest.