Thysanoptera affecting mexican lime (Citrus x aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle) in Apatzingán, Michoacán, Mexico

Abstract

Objetive. to determine taxonomically the species of Thysanoptera in Mexican lime (Citrus x
aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle), to understand their fluctuation and population density, and
to calculate their interaction with rainfall.
Design/methodology/approach. a simple random sample was used. The collections and
samples were carried out every 15 days, in 10 trees, and in 10 vegetative shoots. The
vegetative parts were washed with soap solution, to separate the thrips that were placed in
entomologic containers with alcohol at 70 %. In total, 375 pieces of micromounting were
prepared. The taxonomic determination was by comparison. To understand the interaction of
Thysanoptera with rainfall, the information was analyzed through a square polynomial, with
the RS REG. SAS method.

2

Results. the number of Thysanoptera collected was 4968. The species Scolothrips
sexmaculatus was dominant, followed by Scirtothrips citri, Frankliniella cephalica, and F.
bispinosa. Four predator species of mites and thrips were identified: Scolothrips
sexmaculatus, Leptothrips mcconelli, Stomatothrips brunneus and Scolothrips palidus. An
adult specimen of the genus Microcephalothrips sp. 1 was found, two individuals of the
genera Liothrips and Microcephalothrips sp. 2, and seven of the genus Karnyothrips, whose
species were not identified. A peak in the fluctuation and population density was detected,
which corresponded to the months of January to April. The effect of rainfall was determinant.
Limitations on study/implications. Civil unsafety and decapitalization of the lime product
system.
Findings/conclusions. Five dominating species were present in the three localities:
Scolothrips sexmaculatus, Scirtothrips citri, Frankliniella bispinosa, F. cephacila and F.
curticornis.