Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Sampling for Estimating Frankliniella Species Flower Thrips and Orius Species Predators in Field Experiments
Published on: July 17, 2019
Host Preference and Plastic Mulches for Managing Melon Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Field-Grown Vegetable
Mohammad A Razzak1, Dakshina R Seal1, Philip A Stansly2
1Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL.
Abstract:
Melon thrips, Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a serious pest of vegetable, ornamental, and fruit crops. As a potential component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program, different plastic mulches including white-on-black, black-on-white, black-on-black, two metalized ultraviolet (UV)-reflective mulches, and a no mulch control were evaluated for managing T. palmi on six field-grown vegetable crops (eggplant, cucumber, squash, snap bean, Jalapeno pepper, and tomato) during the Fall of 2015 and 2016. Metalized reflective mulch significantly reduced the number of T. palmi in all vegetable crops compared with the other treatments. The highest numbers of T. palmi were observed on the white-on-black mulch and control treatments. The numbers of adults and larvae were highest on eggplant followed by cucumber, snap bean, squash, and Jalapeno pepper. The lowest numbers of T. palmi were observed on tomato plants. This study indicated that growing vegetable crops on metalized mulch is an effective method of reducing T. palmi populations in vegetable crops and should be considered in IPM programs for this insect species.
More Related Videos
13:38Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
10:05Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation
Published on: July 4, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Plasticizers
Plasticizers function by using surface-active agents to create repulsive electrostatic forces between cement particles. This dispersion enhances the concrete's...
Plasticity
Plastic Behavior
Plastic Deformations
Plastic Deformations
Plastic Deformation in Circular Shafts