Sampling techniques for thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in preflowering tomato

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Crop Protection Science

Background:

• Thrips pose a significant threat to tomato crops, impacting yield and quality.
• Accurate early-season monitoring of thrips is crucial for effective pest management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy, precision, and efficiency of three relative sampling techniques for thrips on preflowering tomato plants.
• To identify the optimal method for determining early-season thrips abundance in tomato foliage.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of insect aspirator, beat cup, and insect vacuum devices against an absolute sampling method.
• Evaluation of sampling techniques based on correlation, regression analysis, relative variation (RV), and efficiency.
• Field studies conducted in Tifton, GA, during the 2000 and 2003 growing seasons.

Main Results:

• All relative sampling methods showed high correlation (R > 0.92) with the absolute method.
• The beat cup method demonstrated the best precision (lowest RV) across sampling dates in both years.
• The beat cup method was consistently the most efficient sampling technique.
• Frankliniella fusca was identified as the predominant thrips species.

Conclusions:

• The beat cup method is recommended as the superior technique for sampling thrips on preflowering tomato plants.
• This method provides a reliable and efficient means for early-season thrips population assessment.
• Effective thrips monitoring is essential for timely intervention and crop protection.