On collection of predatory thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) in wheat fields

Abstract

Some thrips species are known as predators of eggs, exist as the inactive stages of mites, and can be tiny, especially phytophagous thrips. This study aimed at evaluating the population fluctuation and species diversity of predatory thrips in wheat fields of Eyvan county (Ilam province, Iran) in the year 2016. Thrips specimens were collected and identified by weekly sampling during wheat growth stages (from early April to late June). Wheat bushes were shaken on a white dish. Finally, microscopic slides were prepared and all samples were enumerated. The population fluctuation of predatory thrips was calculated. In this study, six species of predatory thrips belonging to three genera were identified. Amongst them, Aeolothrips intermedius Bagnall (family Aeolothripidae) was the dominant species in both irrigated and rainfed wheat fields accounting for 72.43% and 50.85% of all species, respectively. Biodiversity indices were calculated using the number of species and their relative abundance. Shannon diversity, Simpson’s, Margalef’’s and species richness indices were 1.76, 0.86, 1.25 and 1, respectively. The highest biodiversity was in rainfed fields and during the wheat flowering stage, and the highest Shannon-Wiener evenness index was also in rainfed fields and at the ripening stage. The richness of thrips in rainfed wheat fields during the stem elongation stage was higher than in other wheat stages. Correlation of the density of predatory thrips with temperature and humidity showed a significantly positive correlation with temperature.