Distribution of western (Glasshouse strain) and intonsa flower thrips in New Zealand

Abstract

Western flower thrips (WFT) (Frankliniella occidentalis) (glasshouse strain) and Intonsa flower thrips (IFT) (Frankliniella intonsa) are polyphagous pests that were first recorded in New Zealand in 1992 and 2002 respectively Surveys were carried out to determine the distribution of these two insects providing useful information for pest management market access and biosecurity Crops (mostly capsicum) were sampled for thrips in 18 greenhouses in the South Island in March/April 2004 and in6 greenhouses in the North Island in November/December 2004 and March 2005 Six outdoor crops (three in each island) were also sampled Between 20 and 50 flower buds were sampled from each greenhouse and thrips were extracted slidemounted and identified to species The results showed that WFT is widely distributed throughout New Zealand while IFT is only recorded in samples from Auckland and Waikato