T. Lewis

Thrips biology and management.

Introduction to Thrips/Plant Relationships: Thysanoptera as Phytophagous Opportunists L.A. Mound, D.A.J. Teulon. Pest Problems in Field, Forest and Glasshouse Crops: Bionomics of Cotton Thrips: A Review T.F. Leigh. Vectoring of Plant Pathogens: Median Latent Period and Transmission of Tospoviruses Vectored by Thrips I. Wijkamp, et al. Biological Control Agents and Practices: Resources to Implement Biological Control in Greenhouses R.J. Jacobson. Biological Control Using Oligophagous Predators P.M.J. Ramakers. Chemical Control: Insecticide Resistance in Western Flower Thrips K.L. Robb, et al. Integrated Pest Management: IPM of Western Flower Thrips K.L. Robb, M.P. Parrella. Ecology and Behavior: Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Thrips Populations in a Diverse Ecosystem: Theory and Management A.M. Shelton. Development and Genetics: Morphogenetic Development of Some Species of the Order Thysanoptera (Insecta) G. Moritz. Field Sampling and Laboratory Techniques: Monitoring of Western Flower Thrips on Glasshouse and Vegetable Crops J.L. Shipp. List of Thrips Species and Synonyms. 80 additional articles. Index.

A new look at thrips (Thysanoptera) mouthparts, their action and effects of feeding on plant tissue.

To elucidate how thrips feed, the mouthparts of Limothrips cerealium (Hal.) were examined in dead specimens by scanning electron microscopy and plasma-ashing, and in living specimens by cinematography as individuals fed through a transparent membrane on clear liquid containing small polystyrene latex particles that made its flow visible. Close contact with the food substrate was maintained by the labral pad. The single mandible was used to pierce the membrane and was then withdrawn rapidly and replaced by the maxillary stylets, which formed a tube with either a terminal or sub-terminal opening into which food was drawn by cibarial pumping at 2–6 pulsations/s. Oscillations in the surrounding fluid caused by such pumping were detectable up to 58 μm from the maxillary opening. Feeding persisted from a few seconds to up to half an hour, and when complete the stylets were withdrawn either rapidly and together, or more gradually by sliding one against the other. Whole chloroplasts up to 6 μm in diameter were ingested even though the diameter of the maxillary tube was about 1 μm. The thrips consumed the contents of ruptured plant cells at about 8·5 × 1O -5 μl/min, equivalent to almost 12·5% of their body weight per hour. Probing and feeding removed the surface wax from leaves, and the cuticle was so exposed that it often wrinkled. Leaf cells beneath a pierced epidermal cell were usually emptied completely, and little seepage from the wounded tissue occurred after stylet withdrawal. After intensive feeding, many mesophyll cells were totally destroyed and others showed extreme plasmolysis; grana sacks were contorted and large starch grains formed due to desiccation. Above such internal damage the epidermal cells collapsed, and the outer cuticle wrinkled and appeared silvery before turning yellow and brown.

The crazy ant (Anoplolepis longipes (Jerd.) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)) in Seychelles, and its chemical control

The distribution and spread, interrelationship with other animals, and economic importance (mainly domestic) of Anoplolepis longipes (Jerd.) in Mahe, Seychelles, after its accidental introduction about 13 years ago, are described. Temporary control measures based on solid and liquid baits formulated largely from local materials were devised. Baits containing aldrin at 2·5% a.i. and applied at 10 kg (solid) and 20 kg (liquid)/ha decreased the abundance of foragers for about 50 days after treatment. Other insecticides tested were less effective. Bendiocarb (0·04% a.i.) sprayed onto walls of houses and buildings provided protection for about a week outdoors, and for up to two months indoors. There are good prospects for the eventual decline and stability of populations of this ant on Mahe.