Within-Crop Air Temperature and Humidity Outcomes on Spatio-Temporal Distribution of the Key Rose Pest Frankliniella occidentalis

Abstract

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is a key pest of various crops worldwide. In this study, we analyse the dependence of the infestation of this pest on spatially distributed micro climatic factors in a rose greenhouse. Despite the importance of this subject, the few existing studies have been realized in laboratory rather than in greenhouse conditions. However, recent progress on greenhouse microclimate characterisation has highlighted the strong indoor climate heterogeneity that may influence the within-crop pest distribution. In this study, both microclimate (air temperature and humidity) and thrips distribution were simultaneously mapped in a rose greenhouse. The measurements were sensed in a horizontal plane situated at mid-height of the rose crop inside the greenhouse. Simultaneously, thrips population dynamics were assessed after an artificial and homogeneous infestation of the rose crop. The spatio-temporal distribution of climate and thrips within the greenhouse were compared, and links between thrips infestation and climatic conditions were investigated. A statistical model was used to define the favourable climate conditions for thrips adults and larvae. Our results showed that (i) the air temperature and air humidity were very heterogeneously distributed within the crop, (ii) pest populations aggregated in the most favourable climatic areas and (iii) the highest population density of thrips adults and larvae were recorded at 27°C and 22°C for temperature and 63% and 86% for humidity, respectively. These findings confirm, in real rose cropping conditions, previous laboratory studies on the F. occidentalis climatic optimum and provide a solid scientific support for climatic-based control methods against this pest.

Experimental evaluation of the thermal and hygrometric behavior of a Colombian greenhouse used for the production of roses (Rosa spp.)

“…Again, the higher the level of external solar radiation, the more relevant is the degree of horizontal spatial variation of relative humidity. This is certainly not an optimal scenario for production in this type of greenhouse where the management of cultural, irrigation and fertilization tasks are established for an area that is assumed to be homogeneous, as was demonstrated in a study carried out by Fatnassi et al (2015) there is a possibility that under this type of behavior there are areas in the greenhouse where the microclimate conditions allow the establishment of relevant pests such as trips (Frankliniella occidentalis).…”

Comparison of air temperature measured in a vineyard canopy and at a standard weather station

“…Despite studies that have shown the benefit of using onsite air temperature measurements [2; 20], specifically under irrigated conditions, the difference between the two temperatures is still largely unknown. The results reported by Atkinson and Porter [2] and Fatnassi et al [20] suggested that agricultural models, especially those used to predict the impact of pests on crop yield, performed better by using canopy air temperature. These results could be related to the fact that several models, especially those that use weather variables for prediction of growth and development, are mostly calibrated under controlled environments.…”

Relative susceptibility to pesticides and environmental conditions of Frankliniella intonsa and F. occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an underlying reason for their asymmetrical occurrence

“…Kakei and Tsuchida [19] reported that increasing humidity reduced pupal mortality of Thrips palmi (Karny). Fatnassi et al [20] found the dependence of thrips infestation on micro-climate factors including humidity in a rose greenhouse. More interestingly, Garrick et al [21] suggested that higher fecundity of native Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan) at high humidity level can enhance biotic resistance against invasive F. occidentalis.…”