Invasion Biology, Ecology, and Management of Western Flower Thrips

Abstract

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, first arose as an important invasive pest of many crops during the 1970s–1980s. The tremendous growth in international agricultural trade that developed then fostered the invasiveness of western flower thrips. We examine current knowledge regarding the biology of western flower thrips, with an emphasis on characteristics that contribute to its invasiveness and pest status. Efforts to control this pest and the tospoviruses that it vectors with intensive insecticide applications have been unsuccessful and have created significant problems because of the development of resistance to numerous insecticides and associated outbreaks of secondary pests. We synthesize information on effective integrated management approaches for western flower thrips that have developed through research on its biology, behavior, and ecology. We further highlight emerging topics regarding the species status of western flower thrips, as well as its genetics, biology, and ecology that facilitate its use as a model study organism and will guide development of appropriate management practices.

Genome-enabled insights into the biology of thrips as crop pests

“…On the ecological level, the genome will forge new frontiers for thrips genetics and epigenetics studies, genome-wide analyses of biotic and abiotic stress encountered by this pest in diverse environments, and identification of genes and gene products associated with plant-microbe/virus-thrips vector interactions. The availability of this genome may also provide a means to address the challenge of determining whether F. occidentalis is a single widespread, interbreeding gene pool or a series of weakly interbreeding (even non-interbreeding) gene pools (i.e., sibling species) (Mound, personal communication, [24]). From a pest management perspective, the genome provides tools that may accelerate genome-editing for development of innovative new-generation insecticides and population suppression of targeted thrips.…”

“…While there are numerous studies centered on thrips systematics, feeding behaviors, ecology, virus transmission biology, pest biology and insecticide resistance [24], the underlying genetic mechanisms of the complex and dynamic processes governing these areas of research are largely unknown. Here we present the F. occidentalis genome assembly and annotation, with phylogenetic analyses and genome-referenced transcriptome-wide expression data of gene sets centered on primary themes in the life histories and activities of plant-colonizing insects: 1) host-locating and chemical sensory perception, 2) plant-feeding and detoxification (Figure 1B , C ), 3) innate immunity (Figure 1B), and 4) development and reproduction (Figure 1A).…”

Cold‐born killers: exploiting temperature–size rule enhances predation capacity of a predatory mite

“…As a result, a larger body is associated with consuming a wider range of prey sizes . In this study, we focused on a phytoseiid predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman & McGregor) and its prey, western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which is a major pest in a wide range of agricultural crops worldwide . Phytoseiid thrips predators are usually only able to successfully subdue first instars of F. occidentalis .…”

“…[14][15][16][17] In this study, we focused on a phytoseiid predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman & McGregor) and its prey, western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which is a major pest in a wide range of agricultural crops worldwide. [18][19][20] Phytoseiid thrips predators are usually only able to successfully subdue first instars of F. occidentalis. [21][22][23] The larger second-instar larvae are killed at a much lower rate, or not at all, due to more effective physical defenses and/or the use of rectal fluids to deter their predators.…”

Fast recognition of Lecanicillium spp. and its virulence against Frankliniella occidentalis

“…The pest also facilitates the transmission of plant viruses, such as tomato spotted-wilt virus and impatiens necrotic-spot virus [4,5]. F. occidentalis was first described in California, USA; although it received little attention at the time, it subsequently became a major international pest facilitated by increasing international agriculture exchanges, with the first pesticide-resistant strain discovered in the 1970s [6][7][8]. F. occidentalis was first reported as an invasive pest in Beijing in 2003 [9].…”