Presence of flower thrips Frankliniella schultzei in ornamental plants

Resumen

Objective: To report on the presence of Frankliniella schultzei in geranium (Pelargonium hortorum) and periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) plants in greenhouses in the State of Morelos, Mexico.

Design/Methodology/Approach: We sampled geranium and periwinkle plants in greenhouses in the municipality of Jojutla, Morelos, Mexico. The collected specimens—of light to dark brown color—were processed, mounted on glass slides to be observed through a conventional light microscope, and identified with taxonomic keys.

Results: The specimens collected in the geranium and periwinkle plants presented morphological traits that conform to the species Frankliniella schultzei.

Study limitations/Implications: Monitoring the species is necessary because its presence has been identified in at least two regions of Mexico: West and Center.

Findings/Conclusions: Frankliniella schultzei had only been located in western Mexico. This report shows that the species is also found in the central region of the country.