Economic Benefit for Cuban Laurel Thrips Biological Control

Area of Science:

• * Entomology
• * Urban Forestry
• * Biological Control

Background:

• * The Cuban laurel thrips (Gynaikothrips ficorum) is a significant pest of Ficus microcarpa in California.
• * Infestations cause leaf galls, impacting tree health and aesthetics in urban landscapes and nurseries.
• * Previous attempts to establish natural enemies for thrips control were unsuccessful.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To reassess the establishment and efficacy of Montandoniola confusa as a biological control agent for Gynaikothrips ficorum.
• * To evaluate the economic impact and return on investment of this biological control program in urban forests.

Main Methods:

• * Resampling of release sites in southern California where M. confusa was introduced in 1995.
• * Comparison of thrips gall incidence in 2013-2014 with earlier surveys.
• * Economic valuation of improved foliage condition and cost-benefit analysis of the biological control project.

Main Results:

• * Montandoniola confusa was successfully recovered in all sampled locations.
• * A significant reduction in thrips galls was observed in the resampled areas.
• * The biological control program demonstrated substantial economic benefits, with returns ranging from $950 to $1,187 per dollar invested.

Conclusions:

• * Montandoniola confusa provides effective biological control of the Cuban laurel thrips in urban Ficus microcarpa.
• * Successful biological control offers significant economic value to urban forests, justifying investment in such programs.
• * The study underscores the underappreciated economic value of urban trees and the importance of integrated pest management strategies.