Submitted to: Thysanoptera International Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 5, 1998
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: Several thrips species in the genus Frankliniella feed on and damage vegetable and floricultural crops. A type of plant disease viruses, which cause serious damage to agricultural crops such as tomatoes, can be transmitted only by thrips adults and larvae. Four species in this study are capable of transmitting these viruses. Thrips larvae are commonly found on agricultural crops, and intercepted by plant protection agencies on cutflowers and vegetables. This study treats larvae of seven thrips species occurring in European countries of which five also occur in other foreign countries. The ability to recognize larvae provides early warning of potential pest problems, and assist personnel of plant protection agencies to take appropriate quarantine actions on agricultural shipments infested with thrips.
Technical Abstract: Synoptic descriptions and an identification key for second instar larvae of seven Frankliniella species occurring in Europe and other foreign countries are presented. Information on world distribution is also provided.