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- Title
Biological Control and Habitat Management for the Control of Onion Thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in Onion Production in Quebec, Canada.
- Authors
Gagnon, Annie-Ève; Fortier, Anne-Marie; Audette, Carolane
- Abstract
Simple Summary: Onion thrips are a major threat to onion crops, causing damage and yield loss. This study tested various pest control methods, including habitat manipulations, biological control agents, and physical barriers, in experimental and commercial field conditions with the aim of managing thrips populations. The results showed that modifying habitats with straw mulch and flower strips effectively reduced thrips numbers and improved onion yields. However, the use of exclusion nets had a negative effect on yields, and the other control methods produced results similar to those obtained for the untreated control. Notably, the use of biological agents on their own did not provide effective thrips control. This research provides valuable insights for sustainable and effective pest management in onion production. Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) can pose a significant threat to onion crops, causing leaf damage, reduced bulb size and quality, and yield loss during severe infestations. Conventional insecticide use has been the primary method for managing this pest species, but the efficacy of this approach is inconsistent. Furthermore, emerging pest resistance is a growing concern in some regions. This two-year field study aimed to assess the effectiveness of several pest management strategies in controlling onion thrips populations and limiting their impact on onion yields. The strategies tested consisted of habitat manipulations (including flower strips and straw mulch), biological control agents (Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii, and Beauveria bassiana), as well as physical barrier control methods (exclusion nets, kaolin, and mineral oil). Habitat manipulation techniques, particularly the use of flower strips, reduced thrips populations by up to 50% and increased onion yields by 25%. In contrast, exclusion nets had a detrimental effect on onion yields, and the other alternative control methods produced results comparable to those obtained for untreated controls. When used alone, biological control agents were not effective at maintaining thrips populations below economically damaging levels. This study offers valuable insights into effective and sustainable pest management practices for the onion industry.
- Subjects
QUEBEC (Quebec); BULBS (Plants); THRIPS; PEST control; ONIONS; BIOLOGICAL pest control agents; MINERAL oils
- Publication
Insects (2075-4450), 2024, Vol 15, Issue 4, p232
- ISSN
2075-4450
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/insects15040232