Composition and distribution of Thysanoptera (Insecta) in the area of Balcalı, Adana Province, Türkiye

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) species in the Balcalı area of Adana Province, Türkiye, known as a polyculture area having diverse topographic features. Thrips were extensively collected by the tapping method from awide range of agricultural crop plants during 2019-2020. A total of 1150 adult thrips individuals were collected, representing 24 identified species. Among them, the most prevalent and abundant species were the cotton thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman and the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). These two species showed varying population dynamics based on the flowering patterns of the plants sampled. Thankfully, no thrips damage was observed on the sampled plants. Although invasive pest thrips species such asThrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) and Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were found in low numbers, and both of them were collected mostly from flowers of sesame and green pepper plants. A low number of predatory thrips belonging to geniuses, Aeolothrips (Aeolothripidae) and Scolothrips (Thripidae) were detected on beans, potatoes and cotton after March.