Presence of flower thrips Frankliniella schultzei in ornamental plants

Abstract

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

Design/methodology/approach: geranium and vinca plants were sampled in greenhouses located in the Municipality of Jojutla, Morelos, Mexico. The collected specimens were brown to dark brown color, were processed and mounted on glass slides and identified by means of taxonomic keys and the use of a conventional microscope.

Results: the specimens collected in geranium and vinca presented morphological characteristics corresponding to the species Frankliniella schultei.

Limitations on study/implications: monitoring of the species is necessary now that its presence is known in at least two areas of Mexico: the west and center of the country.

Findings/conclusions: in Mexico, Frankliniella schultzei had only been reported in the west, with this report it is now known that it is also located in the central part of the country.