Host Specificity Evaluation for Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) on Ornamental Ficus (Rosales: Moraceae)

• Published in: The Florida entomologist Vol. 99; no. 3; pp. 481 - 486
• Main Authors: Arthurs, Steven P, Chen, Guixin, Chen, Jianjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lutz Florida Entomological Society 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Cultivars; Entomology; Ficus; Ficus benjamina; Ficus microcarpa; Gynaikothrips ficorum; hojas con agallas; Host specificity; Infestation; Insecticides; leaf gall; Leaves; Moraceae; Natural enemies; Pests; Phlaeothripidae; Plant gall; Plants; Princesses; RESEARCH PAPERS; Rosales; Starlight; Thysanoptera; Trees; Florida; United States > US; Southeast Asia; ASW, USA, Florida
• ISSN: 0015-4040; 1938-5102
• DOI: 10.1653/024.099.0321

The weeping fig thrips Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is an invasive pest that is being spread via shipments of ornamental Ficus (Rosales: Moraceae). We tested 50 Ficus cultivars from 12 species for their suitability as hosts for G. uzeli under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that G. uzeli reproduced well only on F. benjamina L.; other species were much less suitable. Plants of F. benjamina sustained folded leaf galls in new growth within 2 to 3 d of being exposed to adult thrips. In subsequent tests, we noted some differences among 27 F. benjamina cultivars in terms of the degree of infestation (number of leaves galled) and reproductive output of G. uzeli over 1 to 2 generations. Plant variegation did neither affect the number of galled leaves nor the number of thrips recovered in our studies. Our results suggest that genetic variation exists among F. benjamina cultivars in resistance to G. uzeli infestation. Additionally, Ficus species other than F. benjamina may be substituted in cases where G. uzeli is potentially troublesome.