Comparison of seven methods for rearing western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The species Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande),western flower thrips, is a highly polyphagous pest and an important vector of tospoviruses on several crops and ornamental plants. Western flower thrips has been introduced throughout the world and has been subject to many biological studies including mass rearing. In this survey, seven common mass rearing methods of F. occidentalis were described in detail and compared with each other. As a result, using Persian cucumber in plastic boxes by producing 6.15±0.4122 generations was selected as the best method. This method enables rearing multiple thrips generations on Persian cucumbers by using minimal supplies.